What is the difference between the handbrake and the footbrake?
1 Answers
The difference between the handbrake and the footbrake lies in the tires they act upon. Below are the specific details: Different tires affected: The footbrake applies braking to all four wheels; the handbrake only affects the rear wheels. Different principles: The footbrake works by distributing hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to each wheel's brake caliper, which then pushes the brake pads to frictionally engage the brake disc (or drum), achieving deceleration or stopping. The handbrake uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force. Different braking force: The footbrake provides greater braking force and includes safety features such as brake force distribution and brake override. The handbrake offers less braking force and lacks such safety configurations. 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.