When to use the parking brake on a car?
The parking brake is an essential component of your vehicle’s safety system and it should be used on a regular basis – not just when the car is parked on a hill.
What’s the difference between electronic and mechanical parking brakes?
Not all parking brakes are the same, especially if you have a new car. Many new cars commonly use electronic parking brakes. These come in the form of buttons or switches. If you have an older car or a car with a manual transmission, you’ll likely have a mechanical parking brake.
How does the pawl work on the parking brake?
The pawl stays in place until the gear shift is moved out of the Park position. The problem with relying on this mechanism for the vehicle is that it puts stress on the transmission constantly, which can result in eventual failure. Manufacturers recommend engaging the parking pawl after using the parking brake.
Where are the cables for the parking brake located?
A lever to engage and disengage the parking brake, found within the cabin of the vehicle Steel cables to connect to the main brakes of the vehicle located in the rear, often called a parking brake equalizer The cable system features a “Y” design that allows a set of cables to be connected to each rear brake.
When to use your parking brake?
The parking brake should be used whenever the vehicle is parked. It is not an emergency brake, or “instead intended for use in case of mechanical failure where the regular footbrake is inoperable or compromised”.
How do you use emergency brake?
Use your emergency brakes with care in situations where your vehicle encounters a total brake failure. Pull the lever steadily and slowly to bring your vehicle in a controlled stop.
How do you adjust emergency brake?
Adjust the emergency brake using either a screwdriver or a wrench, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The brake line will be visible and in most cases will need to be tightened. This can be accomplished by turning the emergency brake adjustment so the line becomes tighter.
How do parking brakes work?
The parking brake system consists of steel cables, which supply force to keep the vehicle immobile. When the handbrake is pulled or the brake pedal pushed, the cables tighten. Rear parking brake shoes, which operate separately from the main braking system, secure the rear wheels by squeezing the inside of the drum,…