Should the parking brake be pulled up or released?

[AdrianLynn]

When parking, the handbrake should be pulled up, and it needs to be released when starting. The handbrake, also known as the auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main braking system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. 1. Precautions: Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause plastic deformation of the steel cable. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use will reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. 2. Principle: After pulling the handbrake, a hydraulic auxiliary cylinder is utilized to push the main hydraulic cylinder beneath the vehicle, which then drives the air valve. Once the air valve is activated, it engages the brake drive shaft.

[SanElizabeth]

When parking, I absolutely support engaging the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling unexpectedly. This is a fundamental driving safety habit. Once, after parking on a slope, I forgot to pull the handbrake, and the car slowly rolled backward, nearly hitting a pedestrian. Thinking back on it still gives me chills. Since then, whether parking on a flat road or a slope, I always engage the handbrake immediately to ensure the vehicle is secured. Even though automatic transmission cars are in 'P' (Park) mode, pulling the handbrake provides an extra layer of safety. For manual transmission cars, using the handbrake is essential to lock the rear wheels—otherwise, the car might slide once the engine is turned off. Besides engaging the handbrake, I’ve also developed the habit of checking the surroundings when parking. For example, when parking on a slope, turning the front wheels toward the curb or roadside ensures that if the brakes fail, the car will naturally stop. Adopting this small habit significantly reduces the risk of accidents, protecting both yourself and others—especially when parking at night or on crowded streets.

[LaAddyson]

As a frequent driver, I never hesitate to firmly engage the parking brake when parking—it must never be left disengaged. Releasing the parking brake means the vehicle is completely free to move, which is extremely dangerous—especially on urban slopes or uneven surfaces, where even a slight lapse in attention could lead to the car rolling and causing a rear-end collision or property damage. In my routine, I always bring the car to a complete stop first, then press the brake with my left foot while freeing my right foot, and manually pull up the parking brake until I hear the clicking sound to confirm it's securely engaged. For automatic transmission cars, applying the parking brake after shifting to 'P' provides double protection, while manual transmission cars struggle to start without it and risk damage. I remember the owner's manual of my new car emphasized this point: the parking brake is designed as a parking stabilizer, intended specifically to secure the vehicle when parked. Occasionally, I've seen friends forget to engage it, leading to minor scrapes from slight rolling that escalate into bigger issues. Now, I've developed the habit of double-checking the dashboard to confirm the parking brake is properly engaged before leaving the car.

[OMaci]

When parking, I'm used to pulling up the handbrake to lock it in place, as releasing it is taking a risk. The handbrake uses cables to brake the rear wheels, and when pulled up, the latch locks to prevent movement. Releasing it allows the car to move freely, which shouldn't happen in parking situations. After driving for over ten years, I've summarized some experience: pulling the handbrake on flat roads can prevent accidental sliding; on slopes, pull it tighter and also turn the wheels; for automatic cars, engaging the handbrake after shifting to P protects the transmission; manual cars not using the handbrake may roll back and damage components. I remember a mechanic saying during maintenance that long-term non-use of the handbrake can cause brake pads to rust and seize, affecting normal operation. Develop the habit of releasing the handbrake before starting and pulling it up after parking to avoid habitual mistakes. In short, pulling the handbrake every time you leave the car is the safest choice.

[Alexander]

Every time I finish parking, I pull up the handbrake to ensure the vehicle is secure and never leave it down, as it protects the car from moving and prevents danger. Once, I forgot to engage the handbrake in a supermarket parking lot, and the car slid into a nearby flower bed, costing nearly a thousand dollars in repairs and wasting time—a lesson learned the hard way. For automatic transmission cars, not using the handbrake after shifting to 'P' increases the burden on the transmission; manual transmission cars are even more prone to rolling back and damaging the braking system under similar circumstances. When parking on a slope, I add an extra step: after pulling the handbrake, I shift into gear to prevent acceleration slippage. Long-term disuse of the handbrake can cause the cable to rust and fail, so it's important to activate it periodically by driving. These small habits may seem excessive, but they prevent bigger problems from accumulating and ensure worry-free driving safety. In daily practice, I always make it a seamless routine—park, turn off the engine, and pull the handbrake—cultivating it as a reflex for reliability.

[JamesMarie]

The parking brake must always be engaged and never left released, especially for novice drivers - this is a fundamental driving rule. When teaching friends to drive, I always emphasize: engage the handbrake after parking to prevent rolling, and release it before moving off to restore wheel movement. Otherwise, it can easily damage the car or cause accidents. On slopes, engaging the handbrake and shifting to a lower gear provides double safety; while parking on flat ground carries less risk, you should still use the handbrake - accidents often happen unexpectedly. For automatic transmissions, using Park plus handbrake protects the drivetrain; for manuals, the handbrake also reduces starting pressure. Remember the correct sequence: come to a complete stop, shift to P or N, then engage the handbrake, and finally turn off the engine before leaving. Only release the handbrake when driving - improper use increases brake wear and fuel consumption. Developing this small habit ensures worry-free travels.