Understanding Your Car's Handbrake: More Than Just Parking Assistance
The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, is a vital component of your car that goes beyond just securing your vehicle when parked. Many drivers often overlook its other uses, not realizing how it can enhance safety and convenience. In this blog, we'll explore the functionality, types, and additional purposes of the handbrake to help you become a more informed and responsible driver.
Functionality and Operation
Located as a lever near the left hand (in right-hand drive vehicles), the handbrake is a manual brake that needs to be engaged when leaving your car parked. To apply the handbrake, press the button at the end of the lever and raise it until you feel resistance, indicating the brakes are engaged. Release the button to lock it in place. To disengage, slightly raise the lever, press the button, and lower it back down.
It's essential to always press the button while raising the handbrake lever to avoid wear and tear on its teeth, ensuring it continues to function properly.
Other Purposes of the Handbrake
1. Uphill Parking: When parking on a hill, you can use the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling backward. By engaging the handbrake, your feet can remain on the clutch and accelerator, eliminating the risk of a rollback.
2. Safety during Stops: In heavy traffic or at pedestrian crossings, using the handbrake can prevent your car from moving forward if bumped by another vehicle from behind, avoiding potential accidents.
Types of Hand Brakes
1. Center or Stick Lever: This is the most common type, with the handbrake positioned between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. It is activated with a button while raising and lowering the lever.
2. Pedal or Pull Handle: Some vehicles have a foot pedal to engage the handbrake, while others use a pull handle for activation and deactivation.
3. Electronic: An advanced development seen in some modern cars, the handbrake is electronically activated with a push of a button.
4. Hydraulic (in Larger Vehicles): Larger vehicles use hydraulic handbrakes to make engaging and disengaging the brake easier. Air pressure and springs hold the brake pads, ensuring reliability in heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and buses.
Working Mechanism of the Handbrake
The handbrake is connected by a cable that applies pressure to the rear drum brakes when the lever is raised. The cable is directly connected to the drum brakes of the rear wheels, providing an effective way to keep the vehicle stationary when parked.
Tips for Using the Handbrake
1. Avoid Over-Raising: Raising the lever too much can cause it to get stuck, preventing you from releasing the button. If this happens, raise the lever slightly more before pressing the button to release it.
2. Observe Dashboard Indicator: Pay attention to the brake sign on the instrument cluster, indicating that the handbrake is engaged. No need to raise the lever further, as excess pressure may damage the cable.
3. Proper Disengagement: Ensure the handbrake is completely disengaged before driving the car. Partial engagement can negatively impact engine performance, brake performance, and fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
The handbrake is a crucial component of your vehicle that serves not only as a parking brake but also as a safety measure during stops and uphill parking. Understanding the different types and proper usage of the handbrake can help you become a more confident and responsible driver. Remember to use it wisely, and your handbrake will remain a reliable companion, ensuring the safety of your car and passengers. Explore more informative content on our blog to enhance your automotive knowledge and save some money on repairs.
Reviewed by Tech Sneha
on
August 04, 2023
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