Should the handbrake be released or pulled up after parking?
2 Answers
After parking, the handbrake should be pulled up, and when driving, it should be released. Releasing the handbrake means lowering it, allowing you to shift into first gear and start moving. The handbrake is a frequently used tool when starting or parking a car. How to use the handbrake The handbrake consists of a handle and a button at the top of the handle. To use it, hold the handle with your right hand, press the button with your thumb, and pull the handbrake up to engage the parking brake function. When you want to drive, you need to disengage the parking brake. Hold the handle with your right hand, press the button with your thumb, and push the handle down to release the handbrake. Parking brakes can be divided into three categories: One type is the manual brake; Another type is the foot-operated brake; And the last type is the electronic parking brake. Parking brake working principle: The handbrake (parking brake) is an auxiliary braking system that relies mainly on manual force. It is typically used when parking to prevent the vehicle from rolling. It mainly consists of a brake lever, cables, brake mechanism, and return spring. It locks the drive shaft to immobilize the drive wheels, and some models lock both rear wheels. The brake lever utilizes the lever principle, locking into place via a locking tooth when pulled to a fixed position. Precautions for using the parking brake: Do not engage the parking brake while the car is moving, as this can cause overheating, reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes, shorten the brake's lifespan, or cause permanent damage. If the parking brake cannot hold the car securely or does not fully release, have it inspected by a dealer or service center immediately. Before leaving the car, always fully engage the parking brake; otherwise, the car may move, causing injury or damage. When parking, ensure that the gear lever of a manual transmission car is in neutral, and the gear lever of an automatic transmission car is in the "P" (Park) or "N" (Neutral) position. Most automatic transmission cars only allow the ignition key to be removed when in "P" gear. Except under special circumstances, strictly avoid parking the car while the transmission is in a forward gear (D, S, L, or with Arabic numerals) or reverse (R) position.
I've been driving for many years, and always engaging the parking brake after parking is the most basic safety habit. This prevents the car from rolling on slopes or unstable surfaces, especially in parking lots or on ramps. Without the parking brake, the vehicle can easily move and hit obstacles or people, causing accidents or damaging the car body. I remember once parking on a steep slope in the rain without tightening the handbrake, and the car slid a few centimeters, almost hitting a wall. Fortunately, I reacted in time to avoid trouble. Developing this habit is simple: pull the parking brake firmly before turning off the engine, and for automatic transmissions, shift to P (Park), or for manual transmissions, shift to a low gear—double protection is more reliable. Regularly check if the parking brake cable is properly adjusted. In the chaotic city traffic, safety comes first. I always stick to this routine when parking, which gives me peace of mind and eliminates worries.
