Parking Brake - use it or not?

[canadiankorean]

I've heard when I got my first car back in 95 that I should always use the parking brake when I'm parked.

This prolongs the life of the brakes.

Is this true?

What are the benefits of using the parking brake?

[D-3vil]

I'm not sure about prolonging the life of your brakes (I don't see how that would work), but in a standard transmission it prevents your car from rolling downhill (if the grade is steep enough). In an automatic transmission, it also takes the strain off the transmission while keeping your car in place.

[dealmeone]

The way I see it, either you use it all the time or you don't use it at all.

If you use it all the time, it is far less-likely to seize on than if you only use it some of the time.

While it is extra protection for the transmission because the entire weight of the car is no resting on the transmission, it is also protection from other drivers who prefer to "park by feel" against your car in the parking lots.

[mr_raider]

An auto trans can get the parking prawl locked on inclines. I say use it. It doesn't hurt.

[zoolander]

I used to have a vehicle with a parking brake that seized due to lack of use.
I also knew a girl who bought a 300Z back in the day and drove it from Hamilton to Wasaga with the parking brake on, this was shortly after she became a stripper :lol::lol::lol:

[eastwood]

I dont think I've ever heard of it prolonging the life of the brakes (overall system). Though using is regularly will help keep the hand brake from seizing. Use it or lose it kinda thing.

As for the question.....I only use it if I am park on an incline. Such as parking garages, hills, knolled driveways, etc... .

[angel_wing0]

i drive manual and yes i use my parking brakes.

[luxome]

use it or lose it. :lol:

just use it, it's there for a reason. i've also heard that it'll seize up if it's not used overtime (mostly for older cars).

[hightech]

Both my cars are automatic and I always use the parking brake. As other mentioned, using it daily keeps it from the following:

- Getting seized
- Easier to service (spraying the linkage vs. trying to un-seize the parts)
- Helpful to stop a car in an emergency,
- Puts less stress on the transmission from holding the car in place (especially when parking on grades)

[Jucius Maximus]

Is it true that if you use the parking break in the Winter, it can freeze up on you and fail to disengage?

[mannyb]

Is it true that if you use the parking break in the Winter, it can freeze up on you and fail to disengage?Yes. It's happen to me a few times where I've had to pull on the parking brake handle several times to try and get it unstuck. When it's really cold out, I don't use my parking brake.

[techwiz]

i drive manual and yes i use my parking brakes.

Yeah, that. :-0

[l69norm]

On some cars (with rear disk brakes), there is an adjuster built into the parking brake. If the parking brake isn't used, the rear brakes eventually stops working (as the pads wear down). The pressure can get so low in the rears that it will set off the dash brake failure light.

[umop]

So the hand brake should still be used when parked on a perfectly level surface?

[Jucius Maximus]

So the hand brake should still be used when parked on a perfectly level surface?

I use it. The main issue is that if you don't use it, then it can seize up and fail to work when you actually need it. I always use my parking brake, and I have an automatic transmission.

This sort of thing was a big problem when I lived with my parents... they never use the parking brake. Ever. I had to keep a sign in the car that I stuck between the seats, warning the next driver the the parking brake was engaged, otherwise my parents would never remember to disengage it.

[TT333]

When there's snow on the ground, I use mine around everrrrry corner.:cheesygri

But I do use it when parking to avoid the car sitting on the tranny. I find that older people never use them though....

[COSMIC5]

I use mine when hauling the boat....good to have when you need to untie the boat to launch and put it back on the trailer....and for parking of course... :lol:

[M-e-X-x]

make sure of course, when u do use the e-brake, that u ARE actually putting as much stress as u can on the e-brake before putting into park

[woobie]

I always use mine, the wife rarely uses hers lol. I've always had manuals her automatics.

She has gotten into the habit of using it in my car though, I have a 5-speed and one day she parked the car at the mall left it in Neutral and the e-brake off and came out of the store 5 minutes later to find my car had rolled out of it's spot and back about 15 ft, luckily it didn't hit anything.

I still have to give her **** once and a while when I get into my car and find it in neutral or I get in her's and the e-brake is always off. I always make a point of using it in her car when we park and mention to her she should be using it.

The e-brake does keep your rear brake shoe's adjusted so it's a good idea to use it all the time.

[skidz88]

I've used my parking brake since the day I got my car 2 years ago. Because I use it daily, it has never frozen on me, not even in the most extreme cold temps we have.

Also, I don't want 3200lbs of car resting on its transmission.

[Majinvegeta]

but on a straight surface, it shouldn't really affect it right? now if we were to park on a hill, I completely understand that the hand brake should be used.

So can someone confirm? I never use the hand brake, but I have yet to park on a hill. So are the breaks affected if you are just parking on a straight road?

[mau108]

but on a straight surface, it shouldn't really affect it right? now if we were to park on a hill, I completely understand that the hand brake should be used.

So can someone confirm? I never use the hand brake, but I have yet to park on a hill. So are the breaks affected if you are just parking on a straight road?

I use my handbrake all the time, on both our automatic cars. Save the tranny! But if your on level ground, put it into neutral, if it doesn't roll back or forward then parking it without handbrake is fine (on autos, ALWAYS USE HANDBRAKE ON MANUAL CARS!) But once it becomes habit, its hard to loose the habit.

[stuntman]

Is there law mandating the use of parking brakes on automatics, especially on a gradient?

I wouldn't just rely on the transmission to hold the car when I can also use the parking brake.

Parking brake facts:

1) use it or loose it. It will freeze in place if not used.
2) do it every time and it will be a habit. What is worse than driving with the parking brake on?
3) if your car gets pushed while in park the load does not go on the tranny.
4) park on an hill and the load does not go on the tranny.
5) make sure it is fully engaged when used.
6) if it freezes after parking car for extended period of time go into light reverse to release it.


sm

[Mayoo]

I been told to use it for two reasons

- Use it to avoid its been stuck of not using it..

- It will remove the load on tranmission at Parking ..

[selpats]

When there's snow on the ground, I use mine around everrrrry corner.:cheesygri


Exactly, it makes cornering so much easier in the snow! :lol:

[Emancipated]

I never realized the emergency brake was a complete separate component to the regular brakes. How does it differ mechanically?

[mr_raider]

When there's snow on the ground, I use mine around everrrrry corner.:cheesygri

Then I suggest getting a car with Right Wheel Drive :cheesygri

[ShadowVlican]

make sure of course, when u do use the e-brake, that u ARE actually putting as much stress as u can on the e-brake before putting into park
+1

many people think they're using the parking brakes, but they're actually using the parking pin in the transmission

the way to do this is shoving it into N, engage parking brakes, let go of brakes, shove into P

this way you know the parking brakes are the ones holding the car

[selpats]

+1

many people think they're using the parking brakes, but they're actually using the parking pin in the transmission

the way to do this is shoving it into N, engage parking brakes, let go of brakes, shove into P

this way you know the parking brakes are the ones holding the car

You would have to be on a pretty severe incline/decline to concern yourself with doing that...

[stuntman]

You would have to be on a pretty severe incline/decline to concern yourself with doing that...

Pressure on the tranny is pressure on the tranny Shadow Vliclan's procedure is correct.

[selpats]

Pressure on the tranny is pressure on the tranny Shadow Vliclan's procedure is correct.

That is different from what my users manual says for my car.

"Pressure on the transmission" LOL!

[ShadowVlican]

You would have to be on a pretty severe incline/decline to concern yourself with doing that...
after a while, it becomes habit.. so no biggie

[express.items]

so D, stop, handbrake, then P?

I normally do D, stop, P, handbrake, turn off car

I guess that's no good?

[demonio]

I never realized the emergency brake was a complete separate component to the regular brakes. How does it differ mechanically?

your normal brakes use hydraulic oil to distribute pressure and the ebrake uses an aircraft cable running directly to the caliper or drum

[midnightly]

i always use it when parked.. it's sorta that extra safety feature knowing you car won't roll away expecially when you use an auto start

[rchong]

so D, stop, handbrake, then P?

I normally do D, stop, P, handbrake, turn off car

I guess that's no good?

it makes no difference but if you wanted to be anal about it, D > N > handbrake > off foot brake > on foot brake > P

[Emancipated]

it makes no difference but if you wanted to be anal about it, D > N > handbrake > off foot brake > on foot brake > P

Shouldn't it be D > N > hand brake, release foot brake > P ?

[Emancipated]

your normal brakes use hydraulic oil to distribute pressure and the ebrake uses an aircraft cable running directly to the caliper or drum

But in the end the same 4 brake calipers are doing the job of keep your car stationary, right?

[stuntman]

That is different from what my users manual says for my car.

"Pressure on the transmission" LOL!

pressure on the gearing system then....go laugh at your own short comings, like narrow mindedness or something.

I don't like the feeling of my car rocking to a stop on the gearing. If you manual says it is better to put pressure on your expensive to fix gearing and not on your cheap brakes and you choose that route then go ahead.

I do an will continue to make sure the car does not do that short roll before jolting to a stop on a piece of metal.

Then again maybe I am wrong if you want to show us/me about how the parking gear works please do so instead of LOL like a fool.

[skidz88]

But in the end the same 4 brake calipers are doing the job of keep your car stationary, right?

Wrong, if you don't use your handbrake, the only thing holding your car is the transmissions parking prawl. If you keep putting stress on it repeatedly it could cause premature failure. You are not engaging all 4 brake calipers when you put your car in park. When you set the handbrake before putting the car in park, you're allowing the car to rest on the rear brakes therefore putting no pressure on the parking prawl.

If anyone here thinks this is BS, park your car on a hill and just put it in park, no handbrake. Once it's in park and you release the brakes you'll notice your car rolls down a bit, now try putting it in reverse or drive and you'll notice it took some effort to get it out of park. Try the above again, only this time use the handbrake before putting it in park. When you go to take it out of park you'll see that it took a lot less effort.

[gamer123]

Is it fine to use the ebrake when in D, say at a red light, instead of foot brake?

[stuntman]

Is it fine to use the ebrake when in D, say at a red light, instead of foot brake?

No. unless of course it is an emergency. Get your brakes fixed.

[Tha_Doggg]

I'm not sure about prolonging the life of your brakes (I don't see how that would work), but in a standard transmission it prevents your car from rolling downhill (if the grade is steep enough). In an automatic transmission, it also takes the strain off the transmission while keeping your car in place.

You can also put the car in gear to prevent it from rolling. I always do this, and also pull the handbrake.

[Jon Lai]

Always use my handbrake.

Tip for those driving 2WD cars - someone can easily lift up the front of your car (assuming FWD) and tow it away (ie. stealing) if you don't use your hand brake because the rear tires aren't controlled by the transmission, so basically they are free to rotate. Hand brakes stop this from happening :P

[at1212b]

Its funny to me how people use the term 'hand brake' as cars (mainly older domestics I believe - not sure of older Japanese) used to have it as a separate pedal like a clutch - all 3 of my cars have it like that.

I read a little article in the star last year which the author/journalist advised always using it, mainly for safety purposes and really good practice. I haven't really gotten into the habit of doing so, but if it helps with the transmission and safety of it, I better start.

[gamer123]

Always use my handbrake.

Tip for those driving 2WD cars - someone can easily lift up the front of your car (assuming FWD) and tow it away (ie. stealing) if you don't use your hand brake because the rear tires aren't controlled by the transmission, so basically they are free to rotate. Hand brakes stop this from happening :P

actually that wont stop the stealing. when the handbrake is on you can still drive it, its just slower with the resistance.

[Jon Lai]

actually that wont stop the stealing. when the handbrake is on you can still drive it, its just slower with the resistance.

But if it's off, any half muscular man can lift the front and walk off with your car (literally) because the back wheels roll on the ground.

[selpats]

But if it's off, any half muscular man can lift the front and walk off with your car (literally) because the back wheels roll on the ground.

Yeah, totally, and like, what if a helicopter with a giant electro-magnet came along, it like wouldn't matter if the parking brake was engaged or not. That's like so cool. :lol: :o

[skidz88]

But if it's off, any half muscular man can lift the front and walk off with your car (literally) because the back wheels roll on the ground.

Are you high?

[gamer123]

But if it's off, any half muscular man can lift the front and walk off with your car (literally) because the back wheels roll on the ground.

Yes but whos going to tow/steal alone with his bare hands:)

[Mayoo]

I always

1. Press the Foot brakes at D
2. Then Hand Brakes
3. Now Put the gear to P
4. Finally release the foot brake

and now a person somewhere above saying, below is the correct procedure

1. Press the Foot brakes at D
2. Put the gear to N
3. Then Hand Brakes
4. Now Put the gear to P
5. Finally release the foot brake

My tranny is AT .. confused about it now .. some tell the difference

[Hothersale]

and now a person somewhere above saying, below is the correct procedure

1. Press the Foot brakes at D
2. Put the gear to N
3. Then Hand Brakes
4. Now Put the gear to P
5. Finally release the foot brake

My tranny is AT .. confused about it now .. some tell the difference

No, I think it was:

1) Keep foot on brake
2) Shift into Neutral
3) Apply parking brake
4) Take foot off brake
5) Shift into Park

[Jon Lai]

Yes but whos going to tow/steal alone with his bare hands:)

I'm just saying it's possible ;)
Your car will definitely be more easily stolen without parking breaks on.

[skidz88]

I'm just saying it's possible ;)
Your car will definitely be more easily stolen without parking breaks on.

If someone wants your car THAT badly they'll just use a flatbed tow truck.

[Mayoo]

No, I think it was:

1) Keep foot on brake
2) Shift into Neutral
3) Apply parking brake
4) Take foot off brake
5) Shift into Park

hmm .. steps 4 & 5 .. can u go from N to P without pressing foot brakes ??? let me try ...

[JAGpilot]

hmm .. steps 4 & 5 .. can u go from N to P without pressing foot brakes ??? let me try ...

I wouldn't. You car is going to try and engage reverse and the power from the engine idling might cause it to grind. Keep your foot on the brake while shifting.

[Hothersale]

I wouldn't. You car is going to try and engage reverse and the power from the engine idling might cause it to grind. Keep your foot on the brake while shifting.

Good point. Maybe you could turn the car off while it is in neutral (after you put the P-brake on) and then shift into Park?

This is getting ridiculous.

[97Coupe]

I always use my handbrake. Its just a force of habit and my driveways a slight slope. It just sucks when someone moves your car and doesn't realize the parking brake is on.

[Stellamama]

While it is extra protection for the transmission because the entire weight of the car is no resting on the transmission, it is also protection from other drivers who prefer to "park by feel" against your car in the parking lots.

How would EVER do such a thing!!! Not ME!!!!

:o

[Stellamama]

Mayoo has a tranny????? :lol:

[gordholio]

I always use my emergency brake.

[Stellamama]

I always use my emergency brake.


So then it's not really an emergency brake then? Just a sort kinda all the time whatever brake?

[gamer123]

So then it's not really an emergency brake then? Just a sort kinda all the time whatever brake?

Maybe he's always in an emergency

[Stellamama]

ah ha!!!!!!! superhero, unmasked!!!! :lol:

[Mayoo]

Mayoo has a tranny????? :lol:

lol ..YES .. and i am not going to show u my Shift Knob !!!

[Mayoo]

Good point. Maybe you could turn the car off while it is in neutral (after you put the P-brake on) and then shift into Park?

This is getting ridiculous.


haha a.. yee ..

[gwu]

For those driving manual,

Do you always do

1) Shift into 1st + Parking Brake
or
2) Neutral + Parking Break
or
3) Depending on the situation. If it's a flat x, if it's a hill y.

See to have this debate a lot with my fellow manual drivers.

[Hothersale]

For those driving manual,

Do you always do

1) Shift into 1st + Parking Brake
or
2) Neutral + Parking Break
or
3) Depending on the situation. If it's a flat x, if it's a hill y.

See to have this debate a lot with my fellow manual drivers.
You should always park it in gear with the P-brake on, as far as I'm concerned.

[Dyno]

For those driving manual,

Do you always do

1) Shift into 1st + Parking Brake
or
2) Neutral + Parking Break
or
3) Depending on the situation. If it's a flat x, if it's a hill y.

See to have this debate a lot with my fellow manual drivers.

ill go with 3)
if its a steep grade i will always put it in gear if it isnt then I do whatever... I know its a bad habit but sometimes if im in a rush I wont put it in gear, other times I will... It all depends on how im feeling.

I knew a guy what would never use the p-brake in his manual bimmer :-0 He said he always just parks it in gear, even on hills :-0

[aznretep]

i remember hearing from a friend that hand brakes locks up the back wheels and the regular brakes locks up the front wheel, that being said using hand brake is useful while parked to prevent losing tread on the front brakes as the whole weight is on the front set of brakes?

[taro-chan]

For those driving manual,

Do you always do

1) Shift into 1st + Parking Brake
or
2) Neutral + Parking Break
or
3) Depending on the situation. If it's a flat x, if it's a hill y.

See to have this debate a lot with my fellow manual drivers.I always have it in gear in the direction opposite to the hill + parking brake. Always wondered if that is correct or should I go with the direction of the hill.... lol

[gwu]

I always have it in gear in the direction opposite to the hill + parking brake. Always wondered if that is correct or should I go with the direction of the hill.... lol

So.. if it's an uphill, you'd park in 1st + P-brake?
but if it's downhill, you'd park in Rev + P-brake?

[blibbertibs]

So.. if it's an uphill, you'd park in 1st + P-brake?
but if it's downhill, you'd park in Rev + P-brake?

that's what i do, plus 1st on flat roads. actually, i don't always use 1st. sometimes 2nd, sometimes 3rd depending on my mood

[taro-chan]

So.. if it's an uphill, you'd park in 1st + P-brake?
but if it's downhill, you'd park in Rev + P-brake?Yea, thats what I do. Not sure if its correct tho... lol

[ShadowVlican]

hmm .. steps 4 & 5 .. can u go from N to P without pressing foot brakes ??? let me try ...
yes you can

I wouldn't. You car is going to try and engage reverse and the power from the engine idling might cause it to grind. Keep your foot on the brake while shifting.
no unless it takes you forever to shove it to P because the shifter isn't instantaneous

Good point. Maybe you could turn the car off while it is in neutral (after you put the P-brake on) and then shift into Park?

This is getting ridiculous.
no he's wrong

Shouldn't it be D > N > hand brake, release foot brake > P ?
correct.. and this "works" for all roads, levels, grades, etc... no need to memorize any of that uphill downhill BS...

[Canada_7]

I personally use it. Over time, I've started to mess up the order though...I'll put the car into park, then pull the handbrake (from reading here, it seems like I've messed up the order). Many people I know though don't seem to use it, particularly the middle age people (atleast for the ones I know).