Introduction
The parking brake, also known as the handbrake or emergency brake, is a crucial component of your car. It’s not just a redundant feature, and it’s not only for use in emergency situations, as its name implies. It’s an essential part of the car’s parking mechanism and helps to prevent accidents and damage to the vehicle.
There are many instances where drivers overlook or misuse their parking brake, leading to costly repair bills, accidents, or, in severe cases, fatalities. Therefore, as a responsible driver, you should never underestimate the importance of using the parking brake.
When Parked on an Incline
When parking on an incline, you should always engage your parking brake, even if the car is in gear. A parked car on an incline and in gear can still roll backward and cause accidents.
Engaging the parking brake correctly can help prevent such incidents. To engage the parking brake correctly, using your foot to press down the brake pedal while pulling the handbrake lever upwards is recommended. You should then release the foot brake before releasing the handbrake.
When Parking on a Flat Surface for a Long Time
Engaging the parking brake is also important when parking on a flat surface for an extended period. Continuous pressure on the transmission and tires can create unnecessary wear and tear and lead to irreversible damage.
For example, if you park your car overnight without engaging the parking brake, the transmission may suffer from over-pressurization, leading to permanent damage. Similarly, leaving your car in a single spot for an extended period can create a flat spot on the tires, resulting in uneven wear.
When Parking on a Slippery Surface
When parking on a slippery surface, engaging the parking brake is vital. If your vehicle is parked on an incline or slope, it’s even more critical to use the parking brake to avoid sliding off your spot and damaging your vehicle.
To use the parking brakes correctly, you should start by coming to a complete stop. After which, press the brake pedal with enough force to stop the car. While holding down the brake pedal, use your other foot to engage the parking brake lever. Once the brake is engaged, you can safely release the brake pedal.
When Parking to Unload Passengers or Goods
You should also engage the parking brake when loading or unloading passengers or goods. There’s always the possibility of unexpected shifts in weight when loading or unloading, resulting in the car rolling off or unexpected movement resulting in accidents.
As previously mentioned, to use the parking brakes properly, start by coming to a complete stop, then press the brake pedal with enough force to stop the vehicle. While holding down the brake pedal, engage the parking brake lever. Once engaged, you can safely release the brake pedal.
When Leaving the Car with Someone Else
When leaving your car with someone else, it’s important to engage the parking brake. Doing so can help prevent theft or unauthorized driving of your vehicle. It’s vital to inform the person about the importance of engaging the parking brake and how to do so properly.
A tip in using the parking brakes correctly when leaving the car with someone else is to inform them of the proper method of engaging the brake and to ensure it’s properly engaged before leaving the car.
When Parked in High Traffic Areas
Using the parking brake in high traffic areas is crucial. In such areas, cars are frequently coming and going, making it easy for someone to accidentally bump into your vehicle. Failure to use the parking brake in such situations can lead to costly collisions that can lead to property damage, injuries, or even death.
The proper method to engage the parking brake in high traffic areas is to come to a complete stop, then apply pressure to the brake pedal. While holding the brake pedal down, engage the parking brake lever, then slowly release the brake pedal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s crucial to use the parking brake when necessary to avoid accidents and damage to your vehicle. Always make sure to engage the brake correctly and inform anyone who may need to use your car about its importance.
It’s a simple safety measure that can go a long way towards keeping yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe. So, always remember – when in doubt, engage your parking brake.