Should the Parking Brake Be Pulled Up or Down?
3 Answers
Parking brake should be pulled up. Here are some precautions for using the parking brake: 1. Force when pulling the parking brake: Apply gentle force when pulling the parking brake, and try to press the brake button while pulling it. 2. Accidentally pulling the parking brake while driving: It is extremely dangerous to directly pull the parking brake while driving at high speed. The parking brake generally acts on the rear wheels, and pulling it directly can cause the rear wheels to lock up, leading to skidding or even a rollover. 3. Regular inspection: The parking brake should also be inspected regularly, as it is particularly sensitive. If you notice a decrease in the braking performance of the parking brake, it could be due to rust or aging, and it should be replaced promptly.
When I first started driving, I also often couldn't remember the handbrake directions. Actually, it depends on the type of handbrake in the car. For mechanical handbrakes, pulling up engages the brake, and pressing down releases it. My wife couldn't remember this when she was learning to drive, so I taught her to think 'thumbs up means stop'. Electronic handbrakes are simpler—just press the button to activate it, and a red light will illuminate nearby. The worst thing is forgetting to release the handbrake at a red light. Once, I drove a colleague's car without releasing it, and the rear wheels smelled burnt. The mechanic said the brake pads were completely ruined. The safest habit is to glance at the dashboard before starting—if the red P light with an exclamation mark is on, the handbrake is still engaged.
With 20 years of auto repair experience, I've seen countless parking brake issues. Seasoned drivers know: manual transmission cars must engage gear plus handbrake on slopes, while automatics must pull the handbrake before shifting to P. The mechanical handbrake lever should be lifted about 5 clicks for optimal security - yanking too hard may deform the cables over time. Once dealt with a customer whose drum brakes froze in rain, requiring hot water thawing. Remember never to fully engage handbrakes after winter rains, as waterlogged cast iron components freeze instantly. For cars with electronic parking brakes, avoid direct high-pressure washer spray on the button to prevent water damage.
