Is the parking brake set by pushing a pedal?
In most modern cars, you don’t set the parking brake by pushing a pedal. The usual method is a hand lever or an electronic switch. A foot-operated parking brake pedal exists in some older or specialty vehicles, but it’s not common today.
Overview of how parking brakes are engaged
Parking brakes come in several designs. Here is a concise look at the common configurations you’ll encounter in today’s cars.
- Foot-operated parking brake pedal (usually located to the far left of the driver's footwell). You push it with the left foot to apply the brakes, using a mechanical linkage to the rear wheels. This design is common in older vehicles and some specialty market models, but it’s rare in new passenger cars today.
- Handbrake lever (also called a console or seat-mounted brake). You pull the lever upward to engage and release by pressing a release button or pulling the release latch. This design remains common in many cars, especially those with manual transmissions or older interiors.
- Electronic parking brake (EPB) switch or button. Activation is electronic, often with auto-hold and auto-release features. This is now the standard in many new vehicles and is integrated with ABS/ESC systems for added convenience and safety.
In short, the method you use depends on the vehicle’s design. Check your owner’s manual for the exact procedure on your model.
Details by design
Foot-operated parking brake pedal
Location and operation: A floor-mounted pedal on the extreme left side inside the driver’s footwell, separate from the brake pedal. Pressing the pedal engages the parking brake, and in some cases you release via a separate release mechanism. Pros and cons: It’s a straightforward mechanical system that works even if electronics fail, but it takes foot space and is increasingly uncommon in new vehicles. Maintenance focuses on ensuring full engagement and checking for wear in the linkage.
Handbrake lever
Location and operation: A hand lever typically between the two front seats or on the center console. You pull upward to engage, and release by pressing a release button or pulling the release latch. Pros: Clear, tactile feedback and often includes a visual indicator on the dash. Cons: Requires space in the cabin and is less common in some modern designs, though still prevalent in many models, especially manual-transmission cars.
Electronic parking brake (EPB)
Location and operation: A button or switch, often near the center console. When activated, an electric motor engages the rear brakes. Features like auto-hold and auto-release can simplify parking on hills or in stop-and-go traffic. Pros: Saves interior space and reduces mechanical clutter; integrates with driver-assistance systems. Cons: Some users may find it less intuitive if they’re not familiar with auto-release or if the battery is low or the system faults, requiring manual intervention in rare cases.
Summary
Overall, while a foot-pedal parking brake remains part of automotive history and appears in some niche or older models, the majority of today’s vehicles rely on a hand lever or an electronic switch. The shift toward EPB reflects a broader move toward automated safety features and interior space optimization. Always verify the exact parking brake method for your specific car in the owner’s manual.
