What is a foot brake called?
2 Answers
Foot brake refers to the parking foot brake, a type of parking brake operated by the foot, commonly found in automatic transmission vehicles. Parking brake types refer to the operation methods of parking brakes. Currently, passenger vehicles have three main types of parking brake operations: handbrake, foot brake, and electronic parking brake. The structure of the foot brake is essentially the same as that of a conventional mechanical handbrake, also using a steel wire cable. The only difference is that the control terminal is changed from a handbrake lever to a foot brake pedal, usually positioned near the left foot. Generally, foot brakes are more commonly used in mid-to-high-end vehicles, mainly in medium-sized and larger cars, and are frequently seen in Japanese and Korean brands, predominantly in automatic transmission models. Currently, there are very few Chinese-brand vehicles equipped with foot brakes. Foot brakes are more suitable for female drivers. The actual locking force of a conventional handbrake is typically around 200N, equivalent to lifting a 20-kilogram object. For many female drivers with limited upper body strength, this can be quite a challenge, often resulting in insufficient parking brake force due to inadequate pulling force, leading to vehicle rollback. In contrast, the foot brake relies entirely on the left foot for control, requiring just a light press to exceed 200N, making it more reliable and safer than a handbrake. Service brake: During driving, the service brake (foot brake) is generally used to slow down or stop the vehicle while in motion. It is not only used to keep the car stationary. The parking brake is only used when the service brake fails. Once the vehicle is stationary, the parking brake (handbrake) should be engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward or backward.
After driving for so many years, we seasoned drivers are used to calling it the brake pedal, but its formal name is the service brake. This device is located to the left of the accelerator pedal and is controlled by the right foot. I always lightly tap it to control speed when going downhill, especially on slippery rainy days when early deceleration is crucial. I remember one winter when the road was icy, this brake pedal saved me from disaster—had I slammed on it like a novice, I might have skidded sideways. Regular maintenance is also essential, checking the brake pad thickness and brake fluid condition, as it concerns the safety of the whole family. Nowadays, new cars come with electronic assistance systems, but the most critical factor still lies in the driver's footwork.
