Which button is the handbrake for automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission handbrake is the P button. The handbrake is an auxiliary brake that uses a steel wire cable connected to the rear brake shoes to brake the car. Types of handbrakes include: pull-type handbrake system, button-type handbrake system, press or lift-type handbrake system, foot-press to pull and release-type handbrake system, and automatic braking system that does not require button or switch pressing. Introduction to electronic handbrake and mechanical handbrake are as follows: Electronic Handbrake: The electronic handbrake is a configuration with a simple and beautiful appearance, easy to use, and a common feature in mid-range cars and above. However, the response speed of the electronic handbrake is relatively slow. Manually pulling and releasing the handbrake takes no more than 0.3 seconds, and manual control is more flexible than electronic control. Activating the electronic handbrake requires a pre-action of stepping on the brake and the response time of the button (to avoid misoperation), and the motor operation time is also relatively long, about 0.5 seconds. Even when the throttle is pressed and the electronic handbrake is automatically released, this action can still feel somewhat abrupt. Mechanical Handbrake: For the most common mechanical handbrake, it is important not to pull it up too hard every time you park, and especially not to pull it to the end. Overstretching the metal or keeping it stretched for a long time will accelerate deformation, leading to faster wear of the handbrake cable's braking performance. The correct method is to pull the handbrake until the rear wheels lock, then lift it 1-2 notches further to ensure the car does not roll.
When I first got my driver's license and drove an automatic car, I was quite clueless and unsure where the parking brake button was. Now I know it's usually a small button marked with a 'P' or a brake icon, located near the gear shift, on the center console, or to the left of the steering wheel. Every car I've driven follows this design—when parking, you must first slow down and come to a complete stop, shift into 'P' gear, and then press this button to activate the parking brake to prevent rolling. It's especially important for safety when starting on a slope. Modern cars almost exclusively use electronic buttons, which are much easier to operate than the old-fashioned lever types. Before driving off, don’t forget to press it again to release the parking brake, otherwise, it could damage the braking system. I’ve even seen a friend mistake the volume button for the parking brake—familiarizing yourself with your car model can avoid such awkward situations. Once you develop the habit, driving becomes more effortless, with safety as the top priority. The owner's manual always indicates its location.
