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Is the parking brake the same as the emergency brake?

The parking brake and emergency brake are not the same thing, though they serve similar purposes. The parking brake is a mechanism used to keep a vehicle stationary when parked, while the emergency brake is a backup system to slow or stop the vehicle in case the main brakes fail.


What is the Parking Brake?


The parking brake, also known as the hand brake or emergency brake, is a mechanical brake that is separate from the main hydraulic braking system of a vehicle. It is typically operated by a hand lever or foot pedal, and it applies pressure directly to the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked. The parking brake is designed to hold a vehicle in place on a flat or inclined surface, even if the main brakes are released.


What is the Emergency Brake?


The emergency brake, on the other hand, is a backup braking system that can be used in the event of a failure in the main hydraulic braking system. It is typically connected to the rear wheels and can be used to slow down or stop the vehicle in an emergency situation, such as if the main brakes fail. The emergency brake is not designed for regular parking, but rather as a safety feature to prevent loss of control in the event of a brake system failure.


Key Differences



  • Purpose: The parking brake is used to keep a vehicle stationary when parked, while the emergency brake is a backup system for slowing or stopping the vehicle in an emergency.

  • Operation: The parking brake is typically operated by a hand lever or foot pedal, while the emergency brake is usually a separate lever or button.

  • Frequency of Use: The parking brake is used regularly when parking the vehicle, while the emergency brake is only used in rare emergency situations.

  • Braking Mechanism: The parking brake applies pressure directly to the rear wheels, while the emergency brake may use a different braking mechanism, such as a cable-operated system.


In summary, while the parking brake and emergency brake may appear similar, they serve distinct purposes and have different mechanisms of operation. The parking brake is a regular feature used to keep a vehicle stationary, while the emergency brake is a backup system for emergency situations.

Which brake is also known as an emergency brake?


parking brake
In road vehicles, the parking brake, also known as a handbrake or emergency brake (e-brake), is a mechanism used to keep the vehicle securely motionless when parked.



What's the difference between a parking brake and an emergency brake?


Part of your vehicle's brake system, the emergency brake operates independently of the main brake system to keep your vehicle from rolling away. 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.



Can a parking brake be called an emergency break?


The emergency brake, or parking brake as it's sometimes called, works independently from the brakes that you tap to stop your car. It's that way on purpose so you have access to an alternative braking system should your primary brakes fail.



Should I use an e-brake when parking?


While emergency brakes—also known as a hand brake, e-brake, or parking brake—do assist drivers parked on inclines, many are surprised to find that experts recommend using the emergency brake whenever you park your car—including on flat, level surfaces.



Is the service brake the parking brake or the emergency brake?


The secondary brake system functions as a backup if the service brake fails. The second brake system is often referred to as the emergency brake. However, it is also often synonymous with the parking brake, e-brake, orhandbrake.



What is emergency braking called?


At speeds between 5 and 50 mph, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) can help you avoid or reduce the severity of a collision† with a detected vehicle you're following using camera technology.



Why is my car saying service parking brake?


If your brake service warning light is always on, it could be due to a need for parking brake adjustment, worn brake pads, or hydraulic issues. If your brake service warning light turns on when you hit the pedal, it could be due to hydraulic loss on one side of your vehicle or low brake fluid in the master cylinder.



Do service brakes and parking brakes use the same system?


Air brakes are really 3 different braking systems: service brake, parking brake, and emergency brake. The: Service brake system applies and releases the brakes when you use the brake pedal during normal driving. Parking brake system applies and releases the parking brakes when you use the parking brake control.



Should you put the emergency brake when parking?


Manufacturers and auto mechanics advise drivers to always engage the e-brake before shifting their vehicle into park to prevent wear and tear on intricate vehicle components.



Is it bad to leave your parking brake on overnight?


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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.