What does parking brake mean?
2 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.
