Handbrake Uses: When and How You Should Engage the Handbrake

A handbrake (emergency brake/parking brake) is a mechanism used to keep a parked vehicle securely in place. But did you know it was originally designed to stop a moving vehicle in case of a brake failure emergency?

There are 3 different types of handbrakes or parking brakes. They may vary from one vehicle model to another and are usually operated in the following ways:

• By hand (handbrake) – this is the most common and consists of a lever between the passenger’s and driver’s seats.
• By foot (footbrake) – it is operated using a pedal at the far left of the other pedals.
• Electronic handbrake is operated using a button, usually located between the driver and passenger seats in some cars. This is an electronically operated handbrake common in newer models.

Except for electronic handbrakes, the manual ones use cable and lever mechanisms that bypass the normal hydraulic braking system. When you pull up the handbrake, the brake lining will press against the rear wheel brake drums or brake pads against the rear wheel brake disks in some vehicles. 

When to use the handbrake

Handbrakes are primarily used to stop a parked vehicle from moving or keep it on the spot it is parked. They come in handy, especially when you park your vehicle on a sloppy surface.

The handbrake might also rescue you in case of a brake failure. You can engage it if you are driving and realise that the car can’t stop after hitting the brakes. However, since they apply little pressure, unlike the normal brakes, it will only help slow down the vehicle and hopefully, bring it to a complete stop.

Another way the handbrake can be effective is when you stop at an intersection, waiting for your turn. In case you get hit from behind, it will help absorb some of the impacts and might help you avoid hitting the car in front.

The correct way to engage the handbrake

To properly park an automatic transmission car, first engage the handbrake before moving the gear lever to “P”. This helps to prevent undue stress and wear on the parking pawl and other transmission components, which could lead to damage and expensive repairs.

For manual vehicles, apply the handbrake first, then leave the vehicle in neutral gear if you are on a flat surface. Engage the handbrake and then the reverse gear if parking facing downhill, or the first gear if facing uphill. Always remember to turn the wheels to face the curbs in case the handbrakes fail.