What is the usage of the handbrake while driving?
3 Answers
When driving, the handbrake has the following uses: When stuck in traffic on a slope, remember to pull the handbrake: If the car starts to roll backward, immediately take corrective measures such as stepping on the foot brake and pulling the handbrake. Additionally, during prolonged stops, remain vigilant and always remember to engage the handbrake. This not only allows your foot to rest but also prevents the risk of the car rolling due to accidentally releasing the foot brake. At high speeds, the handbrake cannot replace the foot brake: Under normal circumstances, use the foot brake to stop the vehicle when driving at high speeds. Avoid using the handbrake to forcibly stop the car unless absolutely necessary, as this can be extremely dangerous. Driving with the handbrake engaged causes significant brake wear: Develop proper driving habits by checking if the handbrake is released before driving. Also, pay attention to the dashboard, as it provides the most comprehensive information. Regularly monitoring the dashboard and heeding warning lights can help avoid driving with the handbrake engaged.
I've always believed that using the handbrake while driving is an essential skill to master, especially in scenarios like parking or waiting at red lights. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, whether on a slope or flat ground, engaging the handbrake can prevent rollaway accidents, protecting both yourself and others. For me, the steps are straightforward: press the brake to stop the car, shift to P or N gear, pull the handbrake button or lever, and then release the foot brake. In daily use, I'm careful to avoid accidentally operating the handbrake while driving, as it could cause the tires to lock up or damage the braking system. Additionally, the handbrake is very practical when starting on a slope—lightly pressing the accelerator while releasing the handbrake can prevent rolling backward. Regular maintenance is also crucial; I check if the handbrake cable is worn or stuck, ensuring the tension is just right to avoid failure at critical moments. In short, developing good habits can extend the vehicle's lifespan and make driving smoother and more reassuring.
Regular drivers should be familiar with the basic operation of the parking brake, which plays a crucial role when parking or temporarily stopping. I usually shift to neutral after the vehicle comes to a complete stop, then pull the electronic parking brake button; this prevents any accidental movement, especially on downhill slopes. Using the parking brake also reduces brake pad wear, indirectly saving on maintenance costs. In daily driving, I combine it with the auto-hold function—once enabled, it makes things much easier, eliminating the need to keep the brake pedal pressed at red lights. However, never engage the parking brake while driving, as this triggers emergency braking and can easily damage components. Proper maintenance includes occasionally testing the pull-up height to ensure it's not loose. Through these steps, I've experienced improved driving safety and greater peace of mind with enhanced efficiency.
