What are the types of parking brakes?
3 Answers
Types of parking brakes: 1. According to the installation position, they can be divided into central braking type and wheel braking type; 2. According to the operation method, they are divided into hand-operated parking brakes and foot-operated parking brakes; 3. According to the control method, they are divided into mechanically controlled parking brakes and electronically controlled parking brakes. The parking brake usually refers to the manual brake installed on motor vehicles, commonly known as the handbrake, which is used to stabilize the vehicle after it has come to a stop, preventing accidents caused by rolling on sloping roads. Common handbrakes are generally placed at the position where the driver's right hand naturally hangs down for easy use. Currently, some automatic transmission models on the market are equipped with a foot brake on the outer side of the driver's left foot, which functions the same as a handbrake. Some advanced models are also equipped with an electronic parking brake system.
I've been driving for over 20 years. I remember that in the early days, cars mostly used lever-type parking brakes, commonly known as handbrakes—a metal rod next to the driver's seat that you pull up to lock the rear wheels. Later, when driving trucks or commercial vehicles, I encountered pedal-type brakes, where stepping on the pedal engages the brake, which is quite convenient, especially when parking on slopes—it feels much more stable. Nowadays, many new cars have switched to electronic parking brakes, just a button on the dashboard—press it and the wheels automatically lock, giving a strong sense of technology, though repairs can be expensive when occasional malfunctions occur. There's also the integrated type, where some luxury cars place the button in the armrest area for a cleaner look. I think the manual lever is the most classic and reliable—it won't malfunction like electronic systems with false alarms, and for experienced drivers, it's simple to operate. When parking, it's important to check the tire condition and the hill-start assist function. If this thing isn't properly engaged, driving risks are significant. New drivers should start by learning the basics first.
I absolutely adore the electronic parking brake in my new electric car—just press a button and it's done, much more effortless than those old-fashioned lever handbrakes. Lever types are commonly found in sports cars or manual transmission vehicles, and they can really tire your wrist out in stop-and-go traffic. Pedal-style brakes are more common in SUVs; stepping on the pedal provides solid braking, which is especially practical when hauling heavy loads or camping gear. Integrated systems are also appearing in some high-end models, blending seamlessly into the center console for a sleek look. But honestly, while electronic systems are convenient, they can be troublesome if the battery dies or gets soaked in rain, so I make sure to maintain my car regularly to avoid malfunctions. Parking safety is the top priority, so I prefer systems with auto-hold functionality to prevent rolling back on slopes. Someday, I’d like to try driving my friend’s manual transmission car to experience that raw, old-school feel.
