Is the Civic handbrake pushed or lifted?
3 Answers
Electronic handbrake is activated by lifting and deactivated by pressing. Currently, the electronic parking brake technology applied in cars is mainly the caliper-integrated electronic parking brake system, which replaces traditional parking brake levers, mechanical linkages, and control cables with electronic buttons and motor components. The maintenance methods for brakes are: 1. High-temperature resistance protection to prevent corrosion of the brake system, avoid brake pads seizing due to high temperatures, and eliminate brake squealing; 2. Clean brake discs, brake drums, and any parts of oil stains, dirt, and friction dust to maintain good heat dissipation of the brake discs; 3. Regularly replace brake fluid; 4. Periodically check the thickness of brake pads or brake shoes.
As a long-time Civic owner with 10 years of experience, the handbrake operation varies by model year. Older Civics (like the 9th generation) use mechanical handbrakes - you need to pull the lever upward firmly to engage, and must press the release button before lowering it. Newer models (10th gen onward) switched to electronic parking brakes with a 'P' button near the gearshift; a single press automatically locks the wheels. I'm comfortable with both systems - the mechanical one offers more driving feel but requires more effort, while the electronic version is effortless (perfect for quick stops at red lights). Always engage fully when parking, and on slopes remember to shift into gear before releasing the foot brake. The newest models even feature auto hold function where the EPB activates automatically. Anyone who's replaced brake cables knows improper operation can cause premature core wire fatigue.
My Civic is the hybrid version bought last year, with the parking brake as a small button located on the right side of the steering wheel. When braking is needed, just press it with a finger, and the P light on the dashboard will illuminate to indicate it's locked. Compared to the old-style handbrake that requires a strong pull, this design is particularly friendly to female drivers with smaller hands. When parking, just step on the brake and press it; to release, simply step on the brake and press the accelerator, and it will automatically disengage. However, it's important to ensure the vehicle is completely stopped before operating it. Once, I pressed it before coming to a full stop, causing the system to sound an alarm. New cars with mechanical handbrakes are rare now, but if you buy a used older Civic, you'll need to get used to the lifting motion. Another advantage of the electronic parking brake is that if you forget to release it while washing the car, it won't wear the brake pads like a mechanical one would.
