Should parking brake application be delayed on uphill roads compared to flat roads?
2 Answers
Parking brake application should be delayed on uphill roads compared to flat roads. When driving uphill, the vehicle speed naturally decreases due to gradient resistance, resulting in a shorter braking distance than usual. Therefore, braking should be delayed compared to flat roads, where only light braking is needed on gentle sections. Reasons for delaying parking brake application on uphill roads: Preventing rollback: When stopping on an uphill slope, first depress the brake pedal. The hill start assist system identifies the braking action and maintains brake pressure for about 2 seconds after releasing the brake pedal. During this time, the driver can move their foot to the accelerator pedal, eliminating the possibility of rollback. Depressing the throttle to move forward enhances safety during hill starts. No rollback tendency: When the gradient is slight with no rollback tendency, the hill start assist system doesn't engage. Most vehicles are equipped with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and Hill Hold Control (HHC) systems. HBA can automatically identify emergency braking situations and reduce required brake pedal force, making operation both effortless and responsive.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and I never delay applying the brakes when parking on a slope. As soon as the car comes to a complete stop, I immediately engage the handbrake and then shift into Park to securely lock the wheels in place. On an incline, the car has a tendency to roll downward. If you delay and wait until the car stops and the inertia dissipates before applying the brake, the vehicle may have already started to slip, increasing the risk of an accident. I've personally witnessed novice drivers forgetting to act promptly, resulting in their cars slowly rolling backward and colliding with roadside obstacles. Once you develop the habit, the parking sequence should always be the same: hold the car steady with the foot brake, immediately engage the handbrake or activate the electronic parking brake, and finally shift into gear to lock it in place. Additionally, it's important to regularly inspect the braking system, such as ensuring the handbrake is effectively tightened, to prevent failure due to aging components. This practice is simple, safe, and requires minimal effort.
