What does parking brake mean?
4 Answers
Parking brake, commonly known as handbrake, functions to provide resistance to the vehicle when parked, preventing it from rolling. The parking brake, also referred to as the handbrake or the parking gear in automatic transmissions, locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. The force applied by the parking brake is much less than that of the service brake, sufficient only to prevent the vehicle from rolling on slopes. Below are detailed aspects of the parking brake: There are different types of parking brakes, such as the mechanical mechanisms operated by hand or foot as mentioned above. Additionally, high-end vehicles are increasingly adopting electronically controlled parking systems, commonly known as electronic parking brakes. An electronic parking brake system integrates the temporary braking during driving with the long-term braking after parking, and realizes parking braking through electronic control. The electronic parking brake achieves parking braking through electronic control, with its working principle being the same as that of the mechanical handbrake—both rely on the friction between the brake disc and brake pads to control parking braking. The only difference is that the control method has shifted from the mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. The electronic parking brake has evolved from the basic parking function to include the automatic parking function AUTOHOLD. The application of AUTOHOLD automatic parking technology eliminates the need for drivers to maintain prolonged braking when the vehicle is stationary. With the automatic electronic parking brake activated, unnecessary rolling of the vehicle can be avoided, simply put, the vehicle will not roll backward.
The parking brake, commonly known as the handbrake, is primarily used to secure the vehicle when parked, preventing it from rolling or sliding downhill. As a new driver, I initially underestimated its importance—until one time I forgot to engage it on a slope, and my car rolled back, nearly scraping against a wall. That was a hard lesson learned. The parking brake locks the rear wheels mechanically or electronically, and it's simple to operate: just pull it up before turning off the engine. Don’t underestimate it—it’s especially useful on inclines or in wet conditions, helping to prevent accidents. Now, I’ve developed the habit of always engaging the handbrake before shifting into Park. For maintenance, regularly check if the lever moves smoothly; if it’s too loose or stuck, get it repaired. I’d advise new drivers to practice using it often—safety first.
Having driven for over 20 years, the parking brake is my safety net. It's what we commonly call the handbrake, designed to lock the vehicle in place after parking to prevent movement. I always use it when parking on steep slopes—pull it tight before shifting into gear to avoid rollback issues. Maintenance is crucial; rusty cables or a sticky handle can compromise its effectiveness. Always release it before driving off, as forgetting can lead to premature brake pad wear—costly repairs. My experience shows that simply engaging the handbrake properly at every stop ensures reliability. On slippery surfaces, it provides extra stability. Long-term neglect means expensive cable or brake disc replacements—better to develop good habits for peace of mind and savings.
As a mom who frequently travels with kids, I place great importance on the reliability of the parking brake. It's an anti-slip device when parked—pulling it up ensures the car stays firmly in place, preventing any backward rolling or sliding. I use it daily when parking at malls or picking up the kids, especially on steep slopes where tightening the handbrake gives me peace of mind. I love the electronic version in modern cars—just press a button, simple and effortless. Always check the dashboard indicator to confirm the handbrake is released before driving. For maintenance, keep dust from clogging the system and test it periodically to ensure smooth operation. These small details guarantee safe family outings, and I highly recommend fellow moms to use it often.
