Is the handbrake pulled up or down?
3 Answers
When parking, the handbrake should be pulled upward until a "click" sound is heard, indicating that the handbrake is securely engaged. To start moving, press the button in front of the handbrake firmly and lift the handbrake slightly upward; at this point, the handbrake can be released. Below is a related introduction: Handbrake: The professional term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the principle of the main brake, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Some models now come equipped with an electronic handbrake, which operates similarly to the traditional handbrake. After parking, pull up the electronic handbrake switch once. When ready to start, press the switch downward to release the handbrake function. Precautions: Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause plastic deformation of the steel cable. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use may reduce effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance.
After driving for so many years, I'm quite familiar with pulling the handbrake. In most cars, you need to pull the handbrake lever upward and tighten it to lock the rear wheels and prevent the vehicle from rolling. Why upward? It's designed with a lever mechanism—pulling up engages the lock, while pushing down (usually while pressing the release button) disengages it. When operating, a 'click' sound confirms it's properly set. Safety first, especially when parking on slopes—I always secure it before exiting. I've seen cases where forgetting to tighten it led to slight vehicle movement, nearly causing accidents. On icy winter roads, it's even more critical to engage it fully. New drivers will get the hang of it after a few practices, and once it becomes second nature, they can smoothly switch it during city traffic jams to avoid brake pad wear. Overall, though small, the handbrake is vital for safety—never take it lightly. Pulling upward is an instinctive action.
From the perspective of simplified mechanics, pulling the handbrake upward utilizes leverage to apply force. When pulled up, the brake cable tightens, locking the wheels in place; releasing it by pushing the button down or pressing directly allows the car to move. This design ensures effortless operation and enhanced safety. I recommend ensuring the lever is pulled to its highest point when engaged, confirming no looseness. Incorrect operations, such as insufficient tightening leading to rollback on slopes or forgetting to release and driving with the brake engaged, pose risks. Even on flat surfaces during daily parking, using it and developing a habit of checking is essential. After a few tries, you'll find the operation straightforward—essentially, pull up to activate and push down to release. Safe driving starts with this simple action.
