Is the Handbrake the Front Brake or the Rear Brake?

[Elisa]

The handbrake is the rear brake, which operates by controlling the braking of the rear wheels, not the front wheels. In most light passenger cars, the handbrake uses the lever principle to pull the brake cable, locking the rear brake shoes or calipers. For light to medium-duty trucks and vehicles with a driveshaft, such as sedans and off-road vehicles, the handbrake typically locks the brake drum on the driveshaft mechanically to achieve braking. It is crucial not to use the handbrake during high-speed driving, as it not only fails to function effectively but can also damage the handbrake. Additionally, prolonged use of the handbrake while driving can cause the steel wire to deform, leading to reduced braking efficiency over time.