Before shifting the gear to Park, parking your car, and getting out of it, you need to engage the parking brake. This step ensures that your vehicle remains stationary and reduces the stress on the transmission system. Additionally, it’s advisable to turn off the engine and remove the keys to secure the vehicle. However, if you’re parking your car for an extended period, avoid engaging the parking brake to prevent potential damage from the brake components fusing together.
Nevertheless, regularly engaging the parking brake provides an extra layer of security, preventing the car from rolling away, especially on inclines. This practice helps prevent your vehicle from rolling and reduces stress on your transmission’s parking pawl, all while maintaining the vehicle’s stability. In the Philippines, there is no specific law mandating the use of the parking brake, but it is considered good driving practice for safety reasons. Knowing these procedures helps ensure the safety of the driver, passengers, and pedestrians, and keeps the vehicle in good working condition.
Be advised that this question is part of the LTO CDE Exam. Please check below for the correct answer if you are going to take this exam:
Question: What do you need to do upon parking and getting out of the vehicle?
Answer: engage the parking brake
What is a Parking Brake
The parking brake, also known as the hand brake or emergency brake, is a critical safety feature in your car. It operates independently of the main brake system and is connected to the rear brakes. When engaged, the parking brake applies pressure to the rear brakes, holding the vehicle in place. This mechanism is essential for preventing roll-away incidents, especially on steep inclines.
Modern cars come with different types of parking brakes, including stick levers, center levers, foot pedals, and push buttons. The choice of parking brake type depends on your vehicle’s design and model year. Regardless of the type, using the parking brake regularly helps keep it in good working condition, ensuring it will function correctly when needed.
When to Use Your Parking Brake
Using the parking brake should become a habit every time you park your car, whether on a flat surface or a hill. Engaging the parking brake before shifting into Park minimizes the strain on the transmission’s parking pawl, a device that locks the transmission in place. Over-reliance on the parking pawl can lead to wear and potential failure, especially if you frequently park on slopes.
For long-term parking, it’s better to avoid using the parking brake. Extended engagement can cause the brake components to fuse, making it difficult to move the vehicle later. Instead, use tire stoppers or wheel chocks to secure your car and prevent any movement.
The Importance of Regular Checks
Regularly checking your parking brake is crucial for maintaining its functionality. Parking brakes can corrode, weaken, or snap if not used frequently. Routine inspections, ideally during every other oil change, can help identify any issues with the parking brake. This preventive measure ensures that the parking brake remains reliable and effective.
In case your brake warning light illuminates, it might indicate that the parking brake is still engaged while driving, which can damage the brake pads and rotors. Always disengage the parking brake before driving to avoid such damage.
Correct Usage of the Parking Brake
To properly use the parking brake, stop your car with the primary brakes, set the parking brake, and then shift into Park. This sequence reduces stress on the transmission and ensures the vehicle is securely held in place. When you are ready to drive, start the engine, press the primary brake, release the parking brake, and then shift into Drive.
Using the parking brake every time you park not only enhances safety but also keeps the brake in good working order. Regular use prevents rust and ensures the parking brake will function properly in an emergency.
Video: The Right Way to Use Your Parking Brake
For a detailed visual walkthrough on the proper use of parking or hand brake, you may check out this video from Around the Home:
Summary
Engaging the parking brake whenever you park is a good safety tip. It is also necessary to do so before shifting to Park when parking manual transmission cars as it provides added security and reduces transmission stress. However, you also need to make sure to avoid using it for long-term parking to prevent brake components from fusing. Regular checks and correct usage help maintain the parking brake’s effectiveness and ensure vehicle safety in the long run.