What are the differences between service brake, parking brake, and engine brake?
2 Answers
The differences between service brake, parking brake, and engine brake are: 1. Different functions: The service brake is used for deceleration and stopping; the parking brake prevents the vehicle from sliding forward or rolling backward; the engine brake helps reduce speed. 2. Different usage scenarios: The service brake is applied when the vehicle is in motion; the parking brake is used when the vehicle is stationary; the engine brake is employed when driving downhill on long slopes. The braking system consists of a brake control mechanism and a brake assembly, where the brake assembly refers to the actual braking components, categorized into drum brakes and disc brakes.
The service brake is the foot pedal you press while driving to slow down or stop the car, such as when decelerating before a red light. It responds quickly, but don't press it too hard, or the car may skid. The parking brake is usually a handbrake or an electronic button, used after parking to prevent the car from rolling. On flat ground, a gentle pull is enough, but on a slope, you need to pull harder. Engine braking is different—it relies on downshifting to let the engine slow the car down, such as when going downhill in a low gear. The car slows down on its own, preventing the brake pads from overheating, which is safer and more fuel-efficient than constantly using the foot brake. These three braking methods are used at different times: the service brake while driving, the parking brake after stopping, and engine braking when controlling speed. When I first learned to drive, I often mixed them up, but with practice, I got the hang of it—safety is the most important thing.
