Is the Parking Brake the Handbrake?

[DiAubree]

The parking brake is indeed the handbrake. The function of the parking brake is to provide resistance to the vehicle when parked, preventing it from rolling. The parking brake, also known as the handbrake or the parking gear in automatic transmissions, locks the driveshaft or rear wheels. The force applied by the parking brake is much smaller than that of the service brake, just enough to prevent the car from rolling on a slope. There are different types of parking brakes, such as the mechanical systems operated by hand or foot mentioned above. Additionally, high-end vehicles are increasingly adopting electronically controlled parking systems, commonly known as electronic handbrakes. The electronic handbrake is a technology that achieves parking braking through electronic control. Its working principle is the same as that of the mechanical handbrake, both relying on the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads to control parking braking. The only difference is that the control method has changed from the traditional mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button.

[LandonLee]

I was also confused about this when I first started driving, but later I learned that the parking brake is usually what we commonly call the handbrake. It's a system that locks the wheels to prevent the car from rolling when parked. In traditional cars, the handbrake often appears as a lever in the center console area. You just pull it and hear a click, and the car stops firmly. In newer models, such as many SUVs or electric vehicles, it might be replaced with a foot pedal or an electronic button, which is simpler to operate but serves the same function—both are parking brakes. In daily driving conversations, we often say 'pull the handbrake,' and this term is deeply ingrained. No matter the form, we still call it that. The essence of the parking brake, in terms of braking principle, is to lock the rear wheels via a cable or electronic signal to ensure safety. Personally, I recommend always using it when parking on a slope to avoid potential accidents. During maintenance, regularly check the wear of this system—for example, a loose steel cable can reduce braking effectiveness, so don’t overlook it.

[LaLena]

As a car enthusiast, I'm quite interested in the evolution of the parking brake: essentially, it's what we colloquially call the handbrake, because early models mostly used a manually operated lever, hence the natural name. With technological advancements, it has evolved from a mechanical lever to an electronic parking brake (EPB), serving the same function but more conveniently. When attending auto shows, I often see new cars using buttons to control the parking brake instead of the traditional lever, though we still habitually call it the handbrake. This name persists because the core operation remains the same—preventing the car from sliding when parked. Technically, the parking brake design takes into account the vehicle's weight and slope to ensure the rear wheels are completely locked. In terms of user experience, the electronic version reduces physical effort, but the old-fashioned handbrake offers more 'tactile feedback.' I believe that regardless of the form, safety comes first, and it must always be engaged when parking.

[AmyDella]

As an auto repair apprentice, I often encounter customers asking if the parking brake is the handbrake, and the answer is yes: it is a parking brake tool, typically in the form of a handbrake. In the repair shop, we commonly say 'fix the handbrake,' but the repair scope includes issues like cable breakage or foot brake failure. The parking brake system operates the rear wheels through an independent mechanism (such as a cable), separate from the main brake. When replacing parts, test their tension to ensure the vehicle doesn't roll after parking. Common issues like wire corrosion require timely maintenance. It's simple to operate—just pull or step on it to engage.