Is it possible to convert a foot-operated parking brake to a handbrake?
4 Answers
It is possible to convert a foot-operated parking brake to a handbrake. In fact, the main function of a handbrake is to serve as a parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling. The foot brake refers to the service brake, which works by distributing hydraulic fluid or air from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders, pushing the brake pads to friction against the brake discs, thereby achieving deceleration or stopping. The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, operates on a different principle. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Cars with foot-operated parking brakes are usually automatic transmission vehicles, where the foot brake lever is located in the "clutch" position, slightly higher. To release the foot brake, simply press it down.
Last time a friend asked me if they should convert their car's foot-operated parking brake to a handbrake. I've done something similar before and think it's theoretically feasible but practically a hassle. The foot brake uses a pedal to control the rear wheel brake pads, while converting to a lever-style handbrake requires replacing the entire cable system, installing a handle, and ensuring the brake hydraulic lines aren't damaged. If you're driving an older car with pre-installed mounting points, you could buy a conversion kit for around 2,000 yuan and DIY, but the alignment must be precise—otherwise the brakes might fail, which would be terrifying while driving. My biggest concern is safety risks. If the cable ages or isn't secured properly, the car could roll on a slope, and that'd be disastrous. You're better off getting used to the foot brake—it takes up some space but is far more reliable than a manual one, especially for larger vehicles where foot brakes offer better stability. If you really can't resist modifying it, I'd strongly recommend going to a professional shop and having a technician handle it. They can test whether the braking force meets standards to avoid violating road regulations or having insurance claims denied. Overall, this kind of modification is just asking for trouble—hardly worth the hassle.
I started tinkering with cars in my early teens and have even helped others convert foot brakes to hand brakes. While it sounds simple, the details are overwhelming: first, remove the original foot brake pedal and replace it with a handbrake lever in the center console, then adjust the cables to connect to the rear axle brake discs. Ordinary tools will suffice, but over time, you may find that newer cars with electronic parking systems interfere, causing warning lights to activate after the conversion. The bigger headache is regulatory issues—most regions don’t allow arbitrary modifications to braking systems, and failing an inspection could result in your car being impounded. From a cost perspective, even a used conversion kit can cost over a thousand bucks, which is pricier than fixing a minor issue—hardly cost-effective. My advice? Don’t tamper with the original design. Foot brakes are designed for driving convenience, especially in heavy traffic where one-touch stopping is faster than manual braking. If you’re not used to it, practice until you adapt, or consider a handbrake-equipped model when buying your next car—better than regretting safety risks later. In short, it’s fine as a hobby, but safety comes first—never risk modifying critical components.
Changing the parking brake from foot-operated to hand-operated? Technically feasible by replacing components like the handle and cables, but I don't recommend it. Foot brakes are stable and common in SUVs, while hand brakes are more convenient for sedans. However, if the modification isn't calibrated properly, it could be dangerous—insufficient braking might lead to accidents. Check whether regulations and insurance cover such modifications.
