Should the Electronic Parking Brake Be Released When Starting the Car?
3 Answers
When starting the car, it is necessary to release the electronic parking brake. The method of use is as follows: 1. To engage the electronic parking brake, press the brake pedal and pull up the electronic parking brake switch until the indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, and the switch's indicator light also turns on; 2. To disengage the electronic parking brake, press the electronic parking brake switch while holding the brake pedal, and the indicator lights on both the dashboard and the switch will turn off. The structural principle of the electronic parking brake involves the application of electronic parking brake technology in cars, specifically the caliper-integrated electronic parking brake system. This system replaces traditional parking brake levers, mechanical linkages, and cables with electronic buttons and motor components. When parking, after the driver operates the electronic parking brake system button, the electronic control unit will command the motors integrated into the left and right brake calipers to act, driving the brake caliper pistons to move and generate mechanical clamping force, thereby completing the parking process.
I've been driving for over a decade, and you absolutely must release the electronic parking brake when starting, otherwise the car simply won't move. The electronic parking brake is a safety lock that prevents the car from rolling when parked, but it must be disengaged upon starting to move forward normally. If you don't release it, stepping on the gas will only make the car stay put or produce strange noises, and may even cause excessive wear on the brake pads, leading to costly repairs over time. Some car models have an automatic release function, which is quite convenient—for example, it disengages automatically when you shift to D and step on the gas. Remember to check the dashboard before starting; if the parking brake light is off, everything is good to go—don't rush to accelerate. Also, beginners often make this mistake. I've seen a friend force-start the car with the light still on, resulting in damaged parts. This thing is designed for safety, so use it properly and don't take it lightly.
From a technical perspective, the electronic parking brake must be disengaged when starting, as it is part of the parking system. If not released during startup, the braking mechanism remains activated, locking the wheels; pressing the accelerator would then counteract the engine's force, wasting fuel and damaging components. I usually press the release button before driving or wait for the automatic system to respond—shifting into drive typically triggers disengagement. This is similar to a traditional handbrake but operates more intelligently; some cars even feature Auto Hold, which automatically maintains braking during temporary stops like at traffic lights, but releases upon acceleration without manual intervention. The key is developing the habit: always check the parking brake status before driving to avoid dragging at startup, ensuring smooth and safe operation.
