Should You Use the Handbrake When Parking in Snow?

[VanPenelope]

Do not use the handbrake when parking in snowy conditions. Reasons for not using the handbrake: After driving on slippery roads, a significant amount of water can accumulate inside the brake discs and calipers. If the handbrake is engaged after parking, it may freeze, making it difficult to move the vehicle the next day or even damaging the braking system. If the vehicle is parked on an incline, you can place it in forward or reverse gear (for automatic transmission models, consider placing stones or wooden wedges against two diagonal tires to prevent the vehicle from moving). Parking precautions: When parking, be careful not to park on slopes, as any water on the ground in winter can easily freeze, making the road slippery and reducing the friction between the tires and the ground. This can cause the car to slowly slide on its own.

[Rod]

Once during a snowy winter day, I parked my car and pulled the handbrake, only to find it completely frozen the next morning—so much so that the car wouldn’t even start. It took me half a day to get a mechanic to thaw it out. Since then, I’ve never dared to do that again. Experts recommend avoiding the handbrake in snowy conditions because the brake pads can accumulate water and freeze, leading to jamming or damage. A better approach is to park on level ground: for manual transmissions, leave the car in 1st or reverse gear, and for automatics, shift into P, using the engine to secure the vehicle. If the road has a slope, I place rocks or wheel chocks next to the tires for extra grip. Driving in snow requires attention to detail—safety always comes first. Now, I always check the terrain before leaving my car parked.

[MacRiley]

When driving to and from work on snowy days, I pay special attention to how I park. A friend once mentioned issues with frozen handbrakes, so I've developed the habit of not using it. I usually find a level spot to park—for manual transmission cars, I leave it in first gear, and for automatics, I use the P position, which prevents the tires from sliding easily. If I really need to park on a steep slope, I'll use wooden blocks or bricks for extra security to avoid any trouble. In snowy weather, the low temperatures can cause the brake system to freeze and accumulate water, potentially leading to rust over time. The key is to prioritize safety and peace of mind, keeping things simple to avoid problems.

[LeAdelyn]

As someone who has repaired many cars, I've seen issues caused by using the handbrake in snowy conditions. The brake pads can freeze and stick, making them difficult to release, and the repair costs can be significant. My suggestion is to simply put the car in gear when parking—use first gear for manual transmissions or 'P' for automatics. On slopes, adding wheel chocks provides extra stability.