Over my 50-year career as an ASE and General Motors master technician along with being an instructor in automotive technology, I've noticed that the parking brake (also known as the emergency or handbrake) often gets overlooked and is seldom talked about, let alone utilized correctly. Many individuals simply neglect to engage it at all.
In the 1980s, when four-wheel disc brakes became common in vehicles, they often incorporated a mechanical parking brake within the hydraulic braking caliper as an automatic adjusting feature. Should the parking brake not be utilized regularly, this mechanism could freeze due to lack of use, leading to a gradual lowering of the brake pedal over time. the brake pads They moved farther away from the rotor as they operated it. Sadly, there wasn’t a manual option to adjust the parking brake mechanism. This led to costly repairs and ultimately phased out this particular design.
Although failing to utilize your emergency brake might not cause it to seize up by 2025, this does not imply that you should skip using it whenever you park. Let’s delve into why you ought to engage the parking brake each time you stop, based on insights from an ASE-certified master mechanic.
What Is the Function of theParking Brake?
The parking brake is intended to prevent your car from moving when stationary and serves as a backup braking mechanism if the primary hydraulic brakes fail. As a general guideline, both handle-type (typically found between the front seats) and pedal-style parking brakes should be capable of holding the car steady after engaging "six clicks." It's always advisable to consult your vehicle’s user guide for proper instructions on using the parking brake effectively.
What Sets the Parking Brake Apart From Regular Brakes?
The parking brake is an individual mechanical braking mechanism typically integrated alongside the distinct "service" (hydraulic) brake system. This hydraulic brake setup is designed to halt our vehicles when we apply pressure to the brake pedal under standard driving circumstances.
As per the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Regulations for Vehicle Equipment and Inspections Parking brakes must be capable of holding a vehicle stationary when parked on a 20-degree slope, even when the car is in neutral gear. Furthermore, the parking brake should operate independently of the service brakes to ensure that any malfunction in the parking brake does not interfere with or influence the functionality of the service brakes.
At What Times Is It Appropriate to Utilize theParking Brake?
Applying the parking brake is advisable for several important reasons. Below are situations where you should engage it:
- Whether it be an incline, hill, or slope.
- While changing a tire .
- While you're working on your vehicle with the wheels elevated off the ground.
Do you need to engage the parking brake each time you park?
Yes, according to ASE master technician Tom Diamond, “For safety reasons, even on flat ground, always engage the parking brake when you put the car in park and shut it off.”
Diamond explained, "A tiny metal or plastic component referred to as a 'parking pawl' interlocks with the gears within your transmission. Its function is to lock the transmission so that the vehicle remains stationary once shifted into park. The slight movement you feel when you first park and then halt completely occurs because the pawl requires time to properly mesh with the gears." gears inside your transmission To maintain their [as well as your car's] stillness."
As stated by AAA, even though the parking pawl is intended to maintain a vehicle’s position, original equipment manufacturers recommend using the parking brake as well to avoid placing the full weight of your car onto the pawl. This precaution helps "reduce strain on delicate parts." As Diamond pointed out, relying solely on the parking brake seems wise since how confident could one be about a plastic parking pawl holding a car steady, particularly when parked on a slope?
Furthermore, consistently engaging the parking brake can help prevent it from rusting or freezing up, guaranteeing that it functions correctly when you genuinely require it.
What Occurs When You Drive With the Parking Brake Engaged?
Operating a vehicle with the parking brake engaged can lead to various issues, such as:
- Brake pad and brake fluid overheating , potentially resulting in brake system malfunction.
- Wear and tear on tires beyond normal use possible harm to braking mechanism Rotors, brake pads, and calipers.
- Poor fuel economy and insufficient engine strength and efficiency .
- Check engine light coming on.
FAQs
Is the parking brake merely present as a custom?
No way! Definitely not. Although numerous people view parking brakes as an old, outdated feature It continues to be crucial for vehicle safety and reliability. The parking brake serves multiple useful functions:
- Keeping your car still when parked.
- Emergency stop activated if the primary brake system malfunctions.
- Reducing pressure and tension on the transmission system .
- Ensuring safety and stability when performing vehicle maintenance .
How about an electric car that doesn’t include a transmission?
Electric vehicles (EVs) do not include a transmission. However, depending on the manufacturer and specific car model, an electric motor might utilize a gearset that activates a parking pawl, similar to how conventional gasoline-powered vehicles operate.
Many electric vehicles and hybrid models come equipped with electronic parking brakes that are programmed from the factory to activate automatically. For cars with these systems, drivers have the option to sync their electronic parking brakes so they engage whenever the gearshift is placed in park. "Even in 2025, using the handbrake remains essential," notes automotive specialist Alex Black, who serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at EpicVIN. He adds, "If automakers continue to find it crucial to auto-engage the parking brake, this indicates how important it continues to be."
Is there ever a situation where using the parking brake would be inappropriate?
Indeed, there are instances where using the parking brake should be avoided, according to Black. Following a drive through slush, snow or ice And when temperatures fall below freezing, avoid using the parking brake. The cables or mechanisms might freeze up and become stuck, which has the same effect as driving with the brake engaged, even once you've released it.
Furthermore, based on your car's parking brake mechanism, the parking brake shoes or pads might get frozen to the parking brake drum or disc rotor. resulting in the wheels becoming locked or keep from turning.
About the Experts
- Tom Diamond Has more than three and a half decades of expertise in the automotive repair sector, working both as a technician and as a certified OEM (Mazda) trainer, along with being a shop supervisor. This individual holds ASE Master Technician credentials for over two and a half decades, encompassing ASE L1 advanced auto performance accreditation. Additionally, he is recognized by the PA Department of Transportation as a qualified state inspector for safety, emissions, and rebuilt vehicles. Please email him at your earliest convenience; a follow-up interview is scheduled for January 28, 2025.
- Alex Black possesses extensive knowledge of the automotive sector, is acknowledged as a leading authority on cars and serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at EpicVIN Empowers both dealers and buyers with top-notch tools and services for purchasing or selling vehicles. Email communication, January 28, 2025.
Sources
- AAA: “ When Should You Use Your Emergency Brake? ” (Sep 18, 2024)
- Capital One: “ How Can You Shift an Electric Vehicle into Neutral? ” (Aug 2, 2023)
- Honda: Honda Info Center ; “ Electronic Parking Brake Featuring Auto Brake Hold ” (Jan 26, 2025)
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: "Regulations for Vehicle Equipment and Inspections" (Copyright 2020 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.)