A car's braking system is a crucial component ensuring safety and control. Apart from the primary foot-operated brakes, there's another type of brake that's operated by hand – the handbrake.
Have you ever wondered about the use of handbrake in car? It is also known as the parking brake. But it serves various purposes beyond just parking.
In this blog, we will discuss the car hand brake system or parking brake in car in detail. We will understand the use of handbrakes in cars and their different types and functions. We will also discuss when and how to use a handbrake car effectively.
What is a Car Handbrake?
A handbrake in a car act as a manual lever to halt the car if the main brakes stop working. It is useful for preventing the car from rolling backwards on slopes or when parked. This happens by pressing disc pads or brake shoes against the rear tires.
It is important to note that modern cars include automatic handbrakes. These engage when the vehicle is stopped and disengage when acceleration is applied. In essence, a car handbrake is a backup plan for braking when the main system fails.
How Does a Handbrake Work?
Wondering, “How does handbrake work?”. Use of handbrake in car involves activating the rear brakes. Here is a simple breakdown of how a handbrake functions:
A metal cable connects the handbrake lever to the rear brakes. Pulling the handbrake lever tightens the cable. This causes the brake pads or shoes to press against the discs or drums, thus activating the rear brakes.
Some vehicles have separate brake components on the rear axle dedicated solely to the handbrake function. Modern vehicles often feature electronic handbrakes. These also function on the same principle by using electric motors to press the pads onto the discs.
How to Use a Handbrake in a Car
Handbrake use in cars is a straightforward process. The process can vary depending on your car's model and transmission type. The are four primary ways to understand the handbrake use in cars. They are –
- Use of handbrake in an automatic car while parking
- Use of handbrake in an automatic car while driving
- Use of handbrake in a manual car while parking
- Use of handbrake in a manual car while driving
The above-mentioned use of handbrake in car is explained in detail in the succeeding sections.
How to Use a Handbrake in an Automatic Car
Let us first discuss how to use the handbrake when parking the car. First, stop the car completely. Then press the brake pedal and change the handbrake gear lever into 'Park' mode. After pushing the button on the handbrake gear lever’s end slightly begin to pull the lever. When the lever gets tense then release the button. Check the parking brake light on the dashboard to confirm that the handbrake is engaged. Ensuring proper parking techniques not only prevents damage to your vehicle but can also help you maintain compliance with car insurance requirements. After confirming it you can release the brake pedal.
When you want to drive the car, press the brake pedal and shift the handbrake gear lever to 'drive' mode. Then gently raise the handbrake lever and press the button at the end of the handbrake lever. Then, push the lever down fully and release the button. Verify the dashboard to ensure that the parking brake light is off. This means the handbrake has been disengaged. Lastly, release the brake pedal and press the accelerator to start driving your car.
How to Use a Handbrake in a Manual Car
Let us first discuss the use of parking brakes in car. While parking the car, when using a manual handbrake in a car on flat ground, shift to neutral and pull the handbrake lever. In case you are on an uphill road, shift the handbrake lever to first gear and engage the handbrake. In case you are on a downhill slope, shift the handbrake lever to reverse gear and pull the handbrake.
When driving a manual car, first step on the brake pedal and let go of the handbrake. Next, engage first gear while pressing the clutch and begin driving. When starting uphill, employ the handbrake to stop from rolling back. Push your car’s clutch, and shift to first gear. Give slight gas, release the clutch till engaged, and then let go of the handbrake.