What is the difference between service brake and parking brake?
2 Answers
Here are the main differences between service brake and parking brake: 1. Different functions: (1) The parking brake is the brake used when the vehicle is stationary, also known as the handbrake. Its main function is to prevent the vehicle from sliding forward or rolling backward. (2) The service brake is what we commonly refer to as the foot brake. Its main functions are deceleration and stopping the vehicle. The brake used during driving is called the service brake. 2. Different principles: (1) When starting on a slope, the parking brake requires the driver to manually release the handbrake or skillfully coordinate the accelerator and clutch for a smooth start. (2) Due to the presence of the transmission, the service brake needs to be adjusted according to different gear ratios. The higher the gear, the smaller the gear ratio. 3. Different braking effects: (1) The parking brake only has a braking effect on the two rear wheels. (2) The service brake is used while the vehicle is in motion. It is a hydraulic brake system, and all four wheels have a braking effect.
I often use the service brake to slow down or stop while driving, such as pressing the brake pedal to control speed, which is suitable for dynamic adjustments during driving to avoid rear-end collisions or skidding. The parking brake, on the other hand, is applied after parking by pulling the handbrake or pressing the electronic button, mainly to prevent the vehicle from sliding, especially on slopes where it's prone to rolling. It's dangerous to habitually confuse the two—using the handbrake while driving can lock the rear wheels and cause loss of control, while relying solely on the foot brake when parked and forgetting the handbrake may lead to the car rolling and hitting something. Develop the right habits when driving: release the handbrake when starting, rely on the foot brake while driving, and pull up the handbrake after coming to a complete stop. Nowadays, new cars come with more electronic systems and automatic functions, but the core logic remains unchanged—safety first, don't cut corners.