Where is the handbrake located in a Lincoln?
1 Answers
The handbrake in a Lincoln vehicle is located at the lower left side of the driver's seat. Unlike traditional cars where the handbrake is usually positioned on the gear shift console, the operation is similar—pulling it outward activates the handbrake. Supporting tool: A return spring is used in conjunction with the handbrake. When the handbrake is engaged, the spring is stretched; when released, the spring returns to its original length. The parking brake, commonly referred to as the handbrake, is a manual brake installed in motor vehicles to stabilize the car after it has come to a stop, preventing accidents caused by rolling on inclined surfaces. Typically, the handbrake is positioned within easy reach of the driver's right hand for convenience. Some automatic transmission models feature a foot brake on the driver's left side, which serves the same function as the handbrake, while some advanced models are equipped with an electronic parking brake system. Types of handbrakes: Parking brakes come in different types, mainly categorized as electronic handbrakes and traditional handbrakes. The traditional handbrake, also known as the mechanical handbrake, is the most commonly seen parking brake in most vehicle models. Principle of the handbrake: The technical term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the main braking system, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation, which is irreversible, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased handbrake travel over time. Handbrake precautions: Avoid pulling the handbrake to 100% capacity: The purpose of the handbrake is to stabilize the vehicle after stopping, preventing rolling accidents. However, pulling it to the maximum is not ideal; 70%-80% is sufficient. Over-tightening the handbrake can shorten the lifespan of the cable. Excessive or prolonged stretching of the metal cable can accelerate deformation, leading to reduced braking efficiency. It also puts the return spring of the brake shoes under high tension, weakening its ability to retract over time. Drivers should adjust the handbrake tension according to road conditions to ensure safety. Extended parking on slopes with the handbrake engaged: Many parking spaces are on slopes, and using the handbrake is essential to prevent rolling accidents. However, prolonged parking on slopes with the handbrake engaged places excessive strain on it, accelerating wear. Additional measures are recommended to reduce the load on the handbrake and enhance safety. The correct method is to first engage the handbrake, then place sturdy objects like bricks under the tires to secure the wheels. Once the wheels are firmly braced, release the handbrake to transfer the load to the wheels, then re-engage the handbrake to share the load. For extra security, shift the gear lever into first or reverse gear. Never engage the handbrake directly during high-speed driving: Applying the handbrake at high speeds is extremely dangerous. Since the handbrake primarily acts on the rear wheels, sudden engagement can cause one wheel to lock, leading to skidding or even a rollover. The correct approach is to downshift to reduce speed, then gradually apply the handbrake to bring the vehicle to a stop. Handbrake precautions in snowy weather and after winter car washes: After driving in snow, slush can accumulate inside the wheel wells and freeze around the handbrake cable, potentially preventing its release when restarting the vehicle. Similarly, in cold climates, water from car washes can freeze the cable if not dried promptly. In such cases, avoid using the handbrake; instead, rely on gear positioning or wheel chocks for parking.