What is the formal name of the handbrake?
3 Answers
The professional term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the principle of the brake, it uses a steel wire cable connected to the rear brake shoe to brake the car. Long-term use of the handbrake will cause plastic deformation of the steel wire. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use will reduce its effectiveness, and the travel of the handbrake will also increase. More details about the handbrake are as follows: 1. Function of the handbrake: The professional term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the principle of the brake, it uses a steel wire cable connected to the rear brake shoe to brake the car. It is used for braking when parking on flat or sloped surfaces to prevent the car from automatically sliding when unattended, thereby avoiding traffic accidents. 2. Working principle of the handbrake: The principle of the handbrake is to use a steel wire cable connected to the rear brake shoe to brake the car.
As a technician who frequently repairs vehicles, the formal name for the handbrake is the parking brake, which is used to secure the wheels when parked to prevent the vehicle from rolling. This name comes from its function: when the engine is off, it locks the rear wheels through a mechanical device to keep the vehicle stable. During repairs, I often encounter issues with improper tension in the parking brake cable. If it's too tight, it accelerates brake pad wear, and if it's too loose, the braking force is insufficient, which is especially dangerous on slopes. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial, with a general recommendation to check every six months or every 10,000 kilometers to avoid collision accidents caused by unintended sliding. For different vehicle models, the parking brake designs vary—some are foot-operated, but fundamentally, they all serve the same braking purpose.
As a passionate car enthusiast, I must mention that the formal name for the handbrake is the parking brake, which intuitively indicates its design purpose for parking safety. Every time I drive on mountain roads or go off-roading, I rely on it to securely stop the car and prevent rolling backward. In sports cars, the parking brake tends to be more sensitive because it is linked to the vehicle's overall balance system. Neglecting its use, such as forgetting to engage it on a slope, can easily lead to minor accidents—I've witnessed such situations firsthand. I've also researched its evolution: early versions relied on manual lever operation, while some modern cars now use electronic controls, but the core function remains unchanged. In short, understanding this name helps us better ensure driving safety.
