Are you supposed to use your e-brake all the time?
The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake or e-brake, is a crucial component of your vehicle's braking system. While many drivers only use it in specific situations, such as parking on a hill, there’s often confusion about whether it should be used regularly. As an experienced auto service provider, I’m here to clarify when and why you should use your e-brake.
What Is the Purpose of the E-Brake?
The e-brake is a secondary braking system designed to keep your car stationary when parked. It operates independently of the hydraulic brakes, relying on a cable system to engage the rear brakes. This makes it a reliable backup in case of primary brake failure.
When Should You Use Your E-Brake?
Using your e-brake regularly is not just a good habit—it can also help maintain the health of your braking system. Here are some scenarios where you should always use your e-brake:
- Parking on an incline or decline: The e-brake provides extra security to prevent your car from rolling, especially on steep slopes.
- Parking on flat surfaces: Even on level ground, using the e-brake reduces strain on the transmission and parking pawl, which can wear out over time.
- During long-term parking: If your car will be stationary for an extended period, engaging the e-brake helps keep the braking system in good working order.
Why Regular Use Is Important
Many drivers neglect their e-brake, but regular use offers several benefits:
- Prevents cable corrosion: Using the e-brake keeps the cables and mechanisms from seizing due to rust or lack of movement.
- Reduces wear on the transmission: By engaging the e-brake, you take pressure off the transmission, especially when parked on an incline.
- Maintains functionality: Regular use ensures the e-brake remains operational when you need it most, such as in an emergency.
Are There Any Exceptions?
While using the e-brake is generally a good practice, there are a few exceptions to consider:
- Freezing temperatures: In extremely cold weather, the e-brake cables can freeze, making it difficult to disengage. In such cases, it’s better to rely on the transmission to hold the car in place.
- After heavy rain or washing: If the e-brake components are wet, they may stick. Allow them to dry before engaging the e-brake.
Conclusion
In most situations, using your e-brake is a smart and safe practice that can extend the life of your vehicle’s braking system and transmission. However, be mindful of specific conditions, such as freezing temperatures, where it might be better to avoid using it. At Kevin’s Autos, we recommend incorporating the e-brake into your daily parking routine to ensure your car remains in top condition. If you have any concerns about your e-brake or braking system, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert advice and service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my e brake on all night?
When you can't stop your car, slowly pull up on the emergency brake handle or press the pedal down. NOTE: You should only leave your parking brake on as long as overnight – at the very most.
Should I use my e-brake when I park on a hill?
Using an E-brake on a hill is important because it helps keep your car from rolling down the hill. The E-brake engages the rear brakes, which can help prevent the car from rolling.
Is the parking brake the same as the e-brake?
Also known as a parking brake, hand brake and e-brake, the emergency brake was originally designed to be used if the vehicle's main braking system would fail. However, in today's vehicles, the parking brake doesn't have enough stopping power to bring the car to a halt.
Is it bad to leave your parking brake on for a long time?
We DO NOT recommend using your parking brake when parking the car for extended periods of time. The emergency brake can lock up and you won't be able to move your vehicle.
Is it bad if I drove with my e-brake on?
1. You should never drive with the parking brake on. Driving with your car parking brake on can do major damage to your braking system. It can wear down your brake pads quickly, as well as cause excessive heat in the system that can do other types of expensive damage.
What will happen if you forgot to release the handbrake?
If you drive the car with the parking brake engaged, it may wear out the rear brakes to the point they may suffer a total failure. If you forget to release the handbrake and drive your car, you should immediately get your rear brakes checked as it may cause severe damage to the brake pads/shoes and rotors/drums.
Is it good to use your e-brake all the time?
Conclusion: While it's not inherently bad to use the emergency brake regularly, it should primarily be used for its intended purpose--securing the vehicle when parked. Regular maintenance of the emergency brake system is also important to ensure it remains functional and safe.
Should you use the handbrake every time you stop?
Yes. The trick is to use the hand brake every single time you stop, even on the flat. The rule is, the first thing you do when you stop is set the hand brake and the last thing you do before starting is release the hand brake. This has advantages beyond helping you to master the hand brake launch on hills.
Can you overuse the parking brake?
Parking brake abuse is due to Drive-Neutral-Drive park brake drive-through or engaging the parking brake while in motion. This can cause damage to transmission components, system failure, or premature brake wear. Come to a complete stop before engaging the parking brake.
When should you not use handbrake?
Ensure you disengage the hand brake before driving: Driving often with an engaged handbrake can damage the engine performance. However, in specific situations, like taking sharp corners or going uphill, you can drive with the parking brakes engaged for your safety.
