What is the difference between handbrake and footbrake?

[DiSilas]

The differences between handbrake and footbrake are as follows: 1. Different tires affected: The footbrake applies braking to all four wheels; the handbrake only affects the rear wheels. 2. Different principles: The footbrake distributes hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders at each wheel, then pushes the brake pads to rub against the brake discs (or drums), achieving deceleration or stopping; the handbrake uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. 3. Different braking force: The footbrake provides greater braking force and includes safety features such as brake force distribution and brake override; the handbrake offers smaller braking force without safety configurations. 4. Different usage scenarios: The footbrake is generally used for braking or slowing down while the vehicle is in motion; the handbrake is used after the vehicle has stopped to prevent it from rolling away.

[Danielle]

I've been driving for over ten years, let me talk about the difference between the handbrake and footbrake. The footbrake is that brake pedal, you step on it and the car slows down or stops, mainly used while driving, for downhill deceleration or emergency stops, it relies on a hydraulic system that responds quickly. The handbrake is a hand lever or button, pulled up after parking to lock the wheels and prevent the car from sliding, especially on slopes where forgetting it can lead to the car rolling away; it's mechanically operated by steel cables. They differ in location: the footbrake is operated by the left or right foot, while the handbrake is operated by the hand in the center or to the side. In terms of importance, don't confuse them while driving—the footbrake is used frequently, but the handbrake ensures safety. I've seen a friend forget to engage the handbrake on a slope, leading to an accident as the car rolled away. It's crucial to pay extra attention and regularly check the condition of the brake pads and cables.

[CassidyFitz]

I remember when I first learned to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the difference between the foot brake and the handbrake: the foot brake is pressed—lifting your foot accelerates, while pressing it slows down or stops the car, controlling both the front and rear wheels for braking. The handbrake is pulled or pressed, mainly used to secure the wheels after parking, primarily controlling the rear wheels. In daily use, the foot brake is more common, such as stopping at traffic lights—releasing your foot starts the car again. The handbrake is only used when stationary, locking the wheels to prevent even slight movement on flat slopes. Mechanically speaking, the foot brake relies on hydraulic pressure for quick and responsive braking, while the handbrake uses steel cables for reliable locking. Safety-wise, they cannot be used interchangeably. If the foot brake fails, the handbrake can serve as an emergency stop. Only by using both can you drive with peace of mind. When parking, always develop the habit of first stopping firmly with the foot brake before engaging the handbrake to avoid accidental slips that could harm people or damage the vehicle.

[WillowLee]

From a usage perspective, the differences are significant: the foot brake is a pedal brake used while driving, pressed to decelerate or stop the vehicle; the handbrake is a parking brake, pulled up after parking to secure the vehicle and prevent rolling. Position-wise, one is controlled by foot and the other by hand, serving different functions. The foot brake responds quickly, suitable for dynamic adjustments; the handbrake is more durable, ideal for static locking. For safety, when parking on a slope, the handbrake must be engaged first, otherwise the car may roll backward.