The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, is a crucial safety feature designed to securely hold your vehicle in place and prevent unintended movement, especially during stops, when parking, or on inclines.
Essential Times to Engage Your Handbrake
Using your handbrake correctly is fundamental for road safety and can prevent accidents. It acts as an additional layer of security beyond simply leaving your car in gear or in "Park."
Temporary Stops in Traffic
For any stop that is more than momentary, engaging your handbrake is a wise practice. When you find yourself stationary behind other cars or waiting for a red light to change, it's beneficial to apply the handbrake if you anticipate a delay. Specifically, if you've been stopped for around 5 seconds and it doesn't appear that traffic will start moving immediately, it's time to engage your handbrake. This simple action allows your feet to be free from continually holding the foot brake, ready instead to work the clutch and accelerator pedals smoothly when it's time to set off again.
Parking Your Vehicle
Always engage your handbrake every time you park your vehicle, regardless of whether you're on a flat surface or a hill.
- On Flat Ground: Even if you leave your car in gear (manual) or in 'Park' (automatic), the handbrake provides a vital backup, preventing any accidental rolling if the transmission or gear linkage were to fail.
- On Inclines or Declines: This is particularly critical. When parking on a hill, always engage the handbrake firmly. Additionally, turn your wheels towards the curb (if facing downhill) or away from the curb (if facing uphill) to use the curb as an extra safety block against rolling.
Hill Starts and Driver Assistance
For manual transmission drivers, the handbrake is an invaluable tool for performing a smooth hill start. By holding the car with the handbrake, you can find the biting point of the clutch and apply a little accelerator before releasing the handbrake, preventing the vehicle from rolling backward.
Emergency and Breakdown Situations
Should your vehicle break down or if you need to perform roadside maintenance (like changing a tire), engaging the handbrake is essential. It ensures the vehicle remains completely stationary and stable, providing a safer environment for you and preventing any further hazards.
Benefits of Using Your Handbrake Correctly
Proper handbrake usage offers several advantages, enhancing both safety and vehicle longevity:
- Prevents Accidental Rolling: The primary benefit is securing your vehicle from unintended movement.
- Reduces Strain on Transmission: For automatic cars, using the handbrake before putting the car into 'Park' helps take the strain off the parking pawl in the transmission, potentially prolonging its life.
- Frees Driver's Feet: During extended stops in traffic, it allows drivers to relax their feet from the foot brake pedal, reducing fatigue and being ready for a smooth pull-away.
- Provides a Backup System: It acts as an independent braking mechanism, offering an additional safety layer.
Handbrake Usage Scenarios
| Scenario | When to Use Handbrake |
|---|---|
| Traffic Stops | If stationary for 5 seconds or more and no immediate movement anticipated. |
| Parking on Flat | Always, as a primary safety measure in conjunction with 'Park' or gear. |
| Parking on Hill | Absolutely essential, combined with gear selection ('P' for auto) and wheel positioning. |
| Hill Starts | To prevent rolling back before engaging the clutch/accelerator in manual cars. |
| Vehicle Breakdown | To secure the vehicle during maintenance, waiting for assistance, or any roadside stop. |
Important Considerations
Modern Electronic Handbrakes
Many modern vehicles come equipped with electronic parking brakes (EPB) that activate and deactivate with the push of a button or even automatically. While these systems simplify operation, the underlying principle of when to use them remains the same for safety and vehicle care. Always understand your specific vehicle's handbrake system.
