What is the difference between parking brake and service brake?

[IsabelaRose]

The differences between parking brake and service brake are as follows: 1. The traditional meaning of "brake" refers to the "service brake", commonly known as the "foot brake". Its function is to slow down or stop the vehicle during driving. The operation method is very simple, which is to control it by pressing the brake pedal, and the braking force is controlled by the pressure applied to the brake pedal. The deeper you press, the greater the braking force. 2. The parking brake is the traditional "hand brake". Its function is to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward or backward after the vehicle has stopped. After parking, in addition to using the parking brake, it is generally recommended to shift to a lower gear when going uphill (to prevent rolling backward), and shift to first or second gear when going downhill, without stepping on the accelerator, relying solely on gear braking to control the downhill speed.

[AlexisLee]

The difference between the parking brake and the service brake is significant. Having driven for decades, I know this well. The service brake is the pedal you press while driving to slow down or come to a complete stop during motion—it's highly responsive and sensitive. The parking brake, on the other hand, is the handbrake or footbrake used after the vehicle is stationary, specifically to secure the car's position and prevent rolling, such as when parked on a slope in a parking lot. Their working principles differ: the service brake relies on a hydraulic system or ABS to control all wheels, while the parking brake is purely mechanical, using a steel cable to engage only the rear wheels. Misusing them can damage components—I once saw a novice mistakenly pull the parking brake while driving, causing the car to skid dangerously. Always remember to engage the parking brake after stopping; otherwise, the car may roll away, leading to serious accidents. Maintenance also differs: service brake pads wear quickly and need frequent replacement, whereas parking brake cables may rust or seize over time and require regular lubrication and inspection. In short, the service brake manages speed control while moving, and the parking brake ensures stability when stationary—safe driving depends on using both correctly.

[DeBenjamin]

When I first learned to drive, I was always confused about the difference between the two brakes. The service brake is the large pedal I press while driving—when I step on it, the car gradually slows down or stops, feeling smooth and normal. The parking brake, on the other hand, is the lever I pull or the button I press after parking, specifically to prevent the car from rolling away, especially on slopes where the car might move and cause an accident if not engaged. My instructor taught me: the service brake is used for speed control while driving, frequently operated but reliable; the parking brake is only engaged once after parking, simple and mechanically reliable. Now that I'm used to it, I don’t mix them up: only use the pedal brake while driving; and never forget to pull the handbrake after parking to avoid damaging the car or hitting objects. Maintenance is also simple: check the service brake fluid regularly; adjust the parking brake cable to avoid being too tight or too loose. These small details make driving safer and more convenient, and beginners must master them.

[VanMorgan]

From a structural perspective, the service brake relies on hydraulic or ABS systems to transmit force, with all wheels working in unison to ensure smooth braking during driving and repeated use. The parking brake, on the other hand, is a manual wire mechanical device that only locks the rear wheels in a fixed position, offering low maintenance costs and high reliability but with a single operation suitable for static scenarios. During maintenance, check the wear of hydraulic lines for the service brake, and inspect the tightness of the parking brake cable to prevent rust and jamming from affecting long-term performance. The differences between the two are clear and should not be confused, as misuse may damage parts or cause malfunctions. Regular functional testing is recommended to ensure reliability.