Parking Brake Up or Down?
2 Answers
The red exclamation mark on the dashboard alerts the driver that the parking brake has been engaged, meaning the auxiliary braking system is active. Pulling the handbrake upward engages the parking brake (vehicle parking brake), while pushing it downward releases it. Therefore, pull up to park and press down to release when ready to drive. Below is additional information: Handbrake: The technical term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the main braking system, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use will reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance.
When parking, the handbrake is usually pulled upward to lock it and prevent the car from moving. I've been driving for over ten years, and when I first bought the car, I encountered a situation where it wasn't pulled tight enough and the car slipped. I parked on a roadside slope, pulled it up but didn't fully hear the click to secure it, and almost hit the car behind me. Now, every time I park, I make it a habit to pull the handle firmly upward until it reaches the top and I hear the gear sound, then I check the brake indicator light on the dashboard to confirm it's on. Before driving off, I gently press the small button at the front of the handle to release it slowly all the way down, avoiding forgetting to release it and causing overheating and wear on the brake pads. Remember, the handbrake is usually located below the center console—simple to operate but crucial for safety.
