What are the correct steps for using the electronic parking brake in a manual transmission car?
4 Answers
Manual transmission car electronic parking brake correct usage steps are: 1. Press the brake pedal, while the vehicle is stationary, pull up the electronic parking brake button to activate it; 2. Press the brake pedal, while the vehicle is stationary, push down the electronic parking brake button to deactivate it. The electronic parking brake is a technology that achieves parking braking through electronic control. Its working principle is: to control parking braking through the friction generated between the brake disc and brake pads, with the control method changing from a mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. A manual transmission car is a vehicle that uses a manual shift mechanical transmission to adjust speed. It involves manually moving the gear lever to change the gear meshing position inside the transmission, altering the gear ratio to achieve speed change. The gear lever can only be moved when the clutch is pressed.
When driving a manual transmission car with an electronic parking brake, based on my experience with various models, starting and stopping are key points. Before starting, sit firmly, press the brake and clutch pedals, and hold the electronic parking brake button to activate it. This will lock the wheels to prevent rolling. Then, shift into first gear or neutral (depending on whether you're starting immediately). When starting, slowly release the clutch while lightly pressing the accelerator to provide power, and the electronic parking brake will automatically release, allowing the car to move smoothly. When stopping, first brake to a complete stop, press the clutch, then press the electronic parking brake button to engage it, and finally shift into neutral and turn off the engine. This process is more effortless and efficient than a traditional handbrake, especially when parking on a slope—the autohold function of the electronic parking brake will automatically hold the car, and when starting, the system detects the power release to avoid rolling back. Remember not to accidentally press the button while driving, as it may cause sudden braking—safety is the top priority. With 20 years of driving manual transmission cars, I regularly check the brake system to ensure it works properly. This design makes driving easier and more worry-free.
As a beginner learning manual transmission, I gradually got familiar with using the electronic parking brake step by step: Before driving, press the brake and clutch, then gently push the electronic parking brake button to activate and secure the wheels. After engaging first gear, start moving by slowly releasing the clutch while applying throttle input. When sufficient power is generated, the system automatically releases the brake, allowing the car to move forward. When parking, stop the car with the brake, press the clutch, activate the electronic parking brake by pressing the button, then shift to neutral and turn off the engine. On slopes, it's especially safe as the parking brake automatically holds the car, letting me focus on operating the clutch and throttle. A common mistake I made was applying too little throttle and releasing the clutch too quickly during starts, causing the car to jerk. Now, with more practice, I've grown accustomed to the sensitivity of the electronic parking brake. Remember not to press the button while the car is moving, as it's high risk. After driving for a few months, I find it more convenient and less prone to errors than the mechanical handbrake, making it suitable for daily commutes.
I always prioritize safety when driving. The electronic handbrake and manual transmission are simple to use. When parking, come to a complete stop, press the brake and clutch, then press the button to activate the handbrake to prevent rolling. Shift to neutral and turn off the engine. Before starting, press the brake and clutch again to release the handbrake, shift into gear, and coordinate the throttle and clutch—the electronic handbrake will automatically disengage. Don't rely on manual operation on slopes, as accidentally pressing the button can be dangerous. Regularly check the function to ensure reliability. I’m extra cautious when family members are in the car.
