Should the handbrake be pressed down or pulled up?
2 Answers
Before driving, the handbrake should be in the braking position, which means it should be pulled up. When you are ready to drive, you need to release the brake by pressing it down. Driving with the handbrake engaged for a long time can affect the engine and brake pads, and in severe cases, it may produce pungent black smoke. The handbrake, also known as the parking brake system, is designed to keep the vehicle stable when stationary and is also used as an aid for starting on slopes. It is not allowed to be used while driving. Currently, the electronic parking brake technology applied in cars is mainly the caliper-integrated electronic parking brake system. This system replaces traditional parking brake levers, mechanical linkages, and cables with electronic buttons and motor components.
Speaking of handbrakes, throughout my years of driving, most traditional vehicles' parking brakes have relied on a lever design—you have to pull it up to engage, locking the wheels to prevent the car from rolling away; when releasing, you press the button on top and gently push it down. Why this design? The mechanical principle is simple and reliable—the lever action increases the brake pad pressure, making it both labor-saving and safe. Back when I drove older sedans in my youth, I once forgot to pull it on a slope and the car almost rolled away. Since then, I've made it a habit to always pull the handbrake when parking and release it before starting. Check the dashboard for any warning lights, and make sure the lever pulls smoothly without sticking to avoid rusted internal cables or worn brake pads, especially in older cars. Otherwise, hill starts could become a risky affair.
