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<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
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<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 What Is the Function of theParking Brake?
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 What Sets the Parking Brake Apart From Regular Brakes?
</h2>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 At What Times Is It Appropriate to Utilize theParking Brake?
</h2>
<p>
 Applying the parking brake is advisable for several important reasons. Below are situations where you should engage it:
</p>
<ul>
 <li>
  Whether it be an incline, hill, or slope.
 </li>
 <li>
  While
  changing a tire
  .
 </li>
 <li>
  While you're working on your vehicle with the wheels elevated off the ground.
 </li>
</ul>
<h3>
 Do you need to engage the parking brake each time you park?
</h3>
<p>
 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.”
</p>
<p>
 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."
</p>
<p>
 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?
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2>
 What Occurs When You Drive With the Parking Brake Engaged?
</h2>
<p>
 Operating a vehicle with the parking brake engaged can lead to various issues, such as:
</p>
<ul>
 <li>
  Brake pad and
  brake fluid overheating
  , potentially resulting in brake system malfunction.
 </li>
 <li>
  Wear and tear on tires beyond normal use
  possible harm to braking mechanism
  Rotors, brake pads, and calipers.
 </li>
 <li>
  Poor fuel economy
  and
  insufficient engine strength and efficiency
  .
 </li>
 <li>
  Check engine light
  coming on.
 </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="">
 FAQs
</h2>
<h3>
 Is the parking brake merely present as a custom?
</h3>
<p>
 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:
</p>
<ul>
 <li>
  Keeping your car still when parked.
 </li>
 <li>
  Emergency stop activated if the primary brake system malfunctions.
 </li>
 <li>
  Reducing
  pressure and tension on the transmission system
  .
 </li>
 <li>
  Ensuring safety and stability when
  performing vehicle maintenance
  .
 </li>
</ul>
<h3>
 How about an electric car that doesn’t include a transmission?
</h3>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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."
</p>
<h3>
 Is there ever a situation where using the parking brake would be inappropriate?
</h3>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<p>
 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.
</p>
<h2 class="">
 About the Experts
</h2>
<ul>
 <li>
  <strong>
   Tom Diamond
  </strong>
  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.
 </li>
 <li>
  <strong>
   Alex Black
  </strong>
  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.
 </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="">
 Sources
</h2>
<ul>
 <li>
  AAA: “
  When Should You Use Your Emergency Brake?
  ” (Sep 18, 2024)
 </li>
 <li>
  Capital One: “
  How Can You Shift an Electric Vehicle into Neutral?
  ” (Aug 2, 2023)
 </li>
 <li>
  Honda:
  Honda Info Center
  ; “
  Electronic Parking Brake Featuring Auto Brake Hold
  ” (Jan 26, 2025)
 </li>
 <li>
  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: "Regulations for Vehicle Equipment and Inspections" (Copyright 2020 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.)
 </li>
</ul>

When Should You Really Be Using Your Parking Brake?

Unknown auto insurance, car care, car financing, car safety, fuel consumption

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 han…

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<p>
 Individuals speeding up their car purchases to dodge potential price hikes amid the intensifying global trade conflict might encounter an unforeseen obstacle: trouble securing a manageable auto loan.
</p>
<p>
 On Wednesday, President Donald Trump declared 25% duties on imported vehicles and specific car components. This move follows a series of charges set to begin at the beginning of next month or those currently implemented, all of which form part of the administration’s efforts to boost local production according to the White House.
</p>
<div class="paywall">
 <p>
  If the 25% tariff is entirely transferred to consumers, it might increase the listed prices of certain popular non-domestically produced vehicles by approximately $6,000 to $16,000, as stated by iSeeCars.
 </p>
 <p>
  A strategy for individuals concerned about tariffs leading to higher product costs is to
  accelerate a purchase they are already intending to make
  while resisting the temptation to panic-shop.
 </p>
 <p>
  Of course,
  it’s no easy feat
  For many individuals to swiftly incorporate a significant expenditure like a vehicle into their financial plan can be challenging. Besides the car's price tag, there's an additional element to keep in mind amidst all the discussions about tariffs: the accessibility and expense of automobile financing options.
 </p>
 <p>
  Securing an automobile loan today often necessitates having an excellent credit rating. In the final quarter, approximately fifty percent of car loans were issued to individuals whose credit scores ranked them as "superprime," which means their scores were at minimum 781 on a scale that spans from 300 to 850, data from Experian reveals.
 </p>
 <p>
  In February, the typical American had an average credit score of 701, which represents a slight decline from January's figure of 702, as reported by VantageScore. According to their criteria, a prime score falls within the range of 661 to 780.
 </p>
 <p>
  At a time when automobile loan defaults have
  rose to points not observed since 2010
  Lenders might be giving extra thought to identifying which borrowers are most likely to repay their loans successfully.
 </p>
 <p>
  Funding is essential for almost everyone except the wealthiest car purchasers, considering that the typical cost of a new vehicle stands at around $50,000, and the average monthly installment has reached approximately
  $750
  as stated by the vehicle purchasing website Edmunds.
 </p>
 <p>
  However, a growing number of consumers express skepticism about their capacity to secure a car loan.
 </p>
 <p>
  According to a February survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, one-third of respondents indicated that they anticipate being denied when applying for a car loan over the next year. This figure marks an all-time peak since the New York Fed began querying individuals regarding their past experiences and future projections related to securing credit, which spans more than ten years.
 </p>
 <p>
  In total, lenders issued $175.1 billion in automobile loans during the previous quarter, which represents a decline from the $184.2 billion provided in the preceding period, as reported by the New York Federal Reserve.
 </p>
 <p>
  "Securing an automobile loan can be quite daunting even under optimal conditions, but introducing factors like tariffs and a shrinking credit market makes it considerably more challenging," explained Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance specialist from NerdWallet.
 </p>
 <p>
  In addition to elevated car prices, purchasers also encounter steep interest rates, even with the Federal Reserve’s reductions, which were intended to lower them.
  intended to reduce lending rates
  for consumers.
 </p>
 <p>
  In November, banks charged an average of 7.82% interest on five-year loans for new cars, as reported by the Federal Reserve. For lending institutions such as dealership finance divisions, this rate was somewhat lower, at around 6%.
 </p>
 <p>
  The typical amount borrowed per loan exceeded $41,500, an increase of about $1,000 compared to the corresponding period in 2023, as reported by Experian.
 </p>
 <p>
  It remains uncertain how many of the additional tariff expenses car purchasers will bear and how much producers will take on themselves. According to a report from J.P. Morgan analysts, these tariffs could
  amounts to billions of dollars for the automotive sector
  , though the effect may differ from one business to another.
 </p>
 <p>
  Despite car manufacturers and parts suppliers bearing the immediate expenses, they cannot escape "the discomfort" caused by reduced demand and decreased production levels, according to the report.
 </p>
 <p>
  If these expenses are passed on, consumers "are already struggling with record-high average car prices and unusually elevated interest rates," according to analysts. Americans are also feeling financial strain due to tariffs on various goods, potentially increasing costs by $1,200 to $1,600 for vehicles.
  household’s annual budget
  .
 </p>
 <p>
  Even with the imposition of tariffs, potential car purchasers shouldn't hurry into decisions, according to Palmer. Buyers ought to compare various options to find favorable prices and secure financing.
  a complimentary copy of their credit report
  and look for mistakes that could be lowering their credit score.
 </p>
 <p>
  She mentioned that there isn't just one path to securing a car loan. This diversity of options is important for individuals who might think they're limited in their selections. "You aren't obligated to utilize the financing plan provided by the automobile dealership," explained Palmer. "It's beneficial to explore various alternatives such as banks, credit unions, and web-based lending platforms to secure better deals."
 </p>
</div>

Should You Rush to Buy a Car Before Tariffs Rise? Here’s Why It Might Backfire.

Unknown autos, car buying, car financing, cars, driving

Individuals speeding up their car purchases to dodge potential price hikes amid the intensifying global trade conflict might encounter an unforeseen obstacle: trouble securing a manageable auto loan…