Understanding how to use parking brake correctly is essential for every driver, yet many overlook this critical vehicle safety feature. Whether you drive a manual or automatic transmission, properly engaging your parking brake helps protect your vehicle’s transmission components and ensures your car stays securely in place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using your parking brake effectively.
What Is a Parking Brake and Why Is It Important?
The parking brake (also called emergency brake or e-brake) is a secondary braking system that operates independently from your vehicle’s primary hydraulic brakes. Unlike your regular brakes that use hydraulic pressure, the parking brake typically works through a cable system that mechanically applies pressure to your vehicle’s rear brakes.
Despite common misconceptions, the parking brake isn’t just for emergencies or parking on hills. It’s designed to keep your vehicle securely in place whenever it’s parked, regardless of the terrain. Using your parking brake regularly provides several important benefits:
- Reduces stress on your transmission components, particularly the parking pawl
- Prevents your vehicle from rolling unexpectedly
- Provides a backup braking system in case of primary brake failure
- Extends the lifespan of your transmission
- Maintains the functionality of the parking brake mechanism itself
When you put your automatic transmission in “Park” without engaging the parking brake, all the weight of your vehicle rests on a small component called the parking pawl. This tiny metal pin engages with the transmission gears to prevent movement. Over time, repeatedly relying solely on the pawl can cause premature wear and potentially expensive transmission repairs.
Different Types of Parking Brakes
Modern vehicles feature several different types of parking brake systems. Understanding which type your vehicle has is the first step to using it correctly.
Manual Lever Parking Brake
This is the traditional hand-operated brake found between the front seats in many vehicles. You pull up on the lever to engage the brake and press a button on the end to release it when disengaging.
Foot Pedal Parking Brake
Common in many American and Japanese vehicles, this system uses a pedal located to the left of the regular brake pedal. You push it down with your foot to engage and either push again or pull a release handle to disengage.
Electronic Parking Brake
Found in newer vehicles, electronic parking brakes use a button or switch instead of a mechanical lever. The system electronically controls brake calipers to hold the vehicle in place and often features automatic engagement when parking.
How to Engage the Parking Brake Correctly
Regardless of which type of parking brake your vehicle has, the proper sequence for engaging it is similar. Follow these step-by-step instructions for each type of parking brake system.
For Manual Lever Parking Brake Systems:
- Press and hold the regular brake pedal firmly with your right foot
- Pull up the parking brake lever until you feel resistance (usually 7-10 clicks)
- If driving an automatic, shift into “Park”; if driving a manual, put the car in first gear or reverse
- Release the regular brake pedal slowly to ensure the car is held by the parking brake
For Foot Pedal Parking Brake Systems:
- Press and hold the regular brake pedal with your right foot
- Push the parking brake pedal down firmly with your left foot until it locks
- Shift your automatic transmission into “Park” or put your manual in gear
- Release the regular brake pedal gradually to test that the parking brake is holding
For Electronic Parking Brake Systems:
- Press and hold the regular brake pedal
- Pull up or press the electronic parking brake button/switch (depending on your vehicle design)
- Look for the parking brake indicator light on your dashboard to confirm engagement
- Shift into “Park” (automatic) or into gear (manual)
- Release the regular brake pedal
Pro Tip: Always engage your parking brake BEFORE shifting into “Park” in an automatic transmission. This sequence ensures the vehicle’s weight rests on the brake system rather than the transmission’s parking pawl, reducing wear on your transmission components.
How to Disengage the Parking Brake
Properly releasing your parking brake is just as important as engaging it. Follow these steps for each type of system:
For Manual Lever Parking Brake Systems:
- Press and hold the regular brake pedal
- Pull the parking brake lever up slightly
- Press the button at the end of the lever
- Lower the lever completely while holding the button
- Check that the parking brake warning light on your dashboard is off
For Foot Pedal Parking Brake Systems:
- Press and hold the regular brake pedal
- Locate the parking brake release handle (usually under the dashboard)
- Pull the release handle, or in some vehicles, press the parking brake pedal again
- Confirm the parking brake warning light has turned off
For Electronic Parking Brake Systems:
- Press and hold the regular brake pedal
- Push or pull the electronic parking brake switch (opposite of the engagement action)
- Verify the parking brake indicator light turns off
Warning: Never drive with your parking brake partially engaged. This can cause brake components to overheat, reduce fuel economy, and lead to premature brake wear. Always check that the parking brake warning light is off before driving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Parking Brakes
Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes with parking brakes. Here are the most common errors to avoid:
Forgetting to Release the Parking Brake
Driving with the parking brake engaged can cause serious damage to your braking system. The friction components will overheat, potentially warping rotors, damaging calipers, and even boiling your brake fluid. Always check your dashboard for the parking brake warning light before driving.
Not Using the Parking Brake on Flat Surfaces
Many drivers only use their parking brake on hills, but it should be used every time you park, even on flat surfaces. This reduces stress on your transmission components and provides an extra safety measure against unexpected movement.
Engaging the Parking Brake After Shifting to Park
In automatic transmissions, engage your parking brake before shifting to “Park.” This sequence ensures the vehicle’s weight rests on the braking system rather than the transmission’s parking pawl, reducing wear on transmission components.
Relying on the Parking Brake Alone on Steep Hills
When parking on steep inclines, use both your parking brake and turn your wheels appropriately (toward the curb when facing downhill, away from the curb when facing uphill) for maximum safety. In manual transmissions, also leave the car in gear.
When to Use Your Parking Brake
Understanding when to use your parking brake is crucial for vehicle safety and maintenance. Here are the key situations when you should always engage your parking brake:
- Every time you park – Regardless of terrain, using your parking brake reduces stress on transmission components
- When parking on any incline – Essential for preventing your vehicle from rolling
- When parking a manual transmission vehicle – Always use in conjunction with leaving the car in gear
- During vehicle maintenance – Provides an extra safety measure when working on your vehicle
- In emergency situations – Can serve as a backup if your primary brakes fail (apply gradually in this scenario)
Remember: The name “emergency brake” is misleading. This feature is designed for regular use every time you park, not just for emergencies or steep hills. Make engaging your parking brake part of your routine parking procedure.
Parking Brake Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Like all vehicle systems, your parking brake requires regular maintenance and occasional troubleshooting. Here’s what you need to know:
Signs Your Parking Brake Needs Attention
- Parking brake feels loose or engages at a higher position than normal
- Vehicle rolls slightly even with parking brake fully engaged
- Unusual noises when engaging or disengaging the parking brake
- Parking brake warning light stays on after release
- Parking brake lever or pedal feels unusually stiff or difficult to operate
Basic Maintenance Tips
- Use your parking brake regularly to prevent cables from seizing
- Include parking brake inspection during routine brake maintenance
- Have the parking brake adjusted if it seems to engage too high or too low
- For electronic parking brakes, ensure your vehicle’s battery is maintained properly
- In regions with heavy snow and salt use, have the cables inspected for corrosion annually
Frequently Asked Questions About Parking Brakes
Can I use the parking brake in an emergency to stop my vehicle?
Yes, but with caution. If your primary brakes fail, you can use the parking brake as an emergency stopping method. However, apply it gradually rather than yanking it suddenly, which could cause your wheels to lock and the vehicle to skid. Pull up slowly and steadily to bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.
Will my parking brake freeze in cold weather?
It’s possible for parking brake cables to freeze in extremely cold and wet conditions. If you park outside in freezing temperatures after driving through slush or water, consider not using your parking brake if you’re on a flat surface. If you must use it in these conditions, try to park in a garage or give yourself extra time in the morning to thaw the vehicle if the brake seems stuck.
How often should I have my parking brake adjusted?
Most manufacturers recommend having your parking brake inspected and adjusted during regular brake service, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on your vehicle. However, if you notice the parking brake engaging at a higher position than normal or the vehicle rolling slightly when parked, have it checked immediately.
Does the parking brake work if my car battery is dead?
For traditional mechanical parking brakes (lever or pedal), yes, they will work without battery power. However, electronic parking brakes typically require battery power to engage or disengage. Some newer vehicles have fail-safe mechanisms that keep the electronic parking brake engaged if the battery dies while the brake is on, requiring special procedures to release.
Conclusion: Make Parking Brake Usage a Habit
Using your parking brake correctly is a simple yet effective way to protect your vehicle’s transmission and ensure safety when parked. By making parking brake engagement part of your regular parking routine—regardless of whether you’re on a hill or flat ground—you’ll extend the life of your vehicle’s components and provide an extra layer of security.
Remember the key points from this guide:
- Always use your parking brake when parking, not just on hills
- Engage the parking brake before shifting into “Park” in automatic transmissions
- Fully release the parking brake before driving to prevent damage
- Have your parking brake inspected regularly as part of routine maintenance
- Know how to use your specific type of parking brake system (lever, pedal, or electronic)
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your vehicle stays securely in place when parked and protect important components from unnecessary wear and tear.
