What is park brake applied?
The parking brake, commonly called the handbrake or emergency brake, is a secondary braking system that holds a vehicle in place when parked. When properly engaged, it locks the wheels to prevent movement, especially on slopes. It is not a substitute for the regular service brakes but works in tandem with them to secure a parked vehicle.
In more detail, the parking brake can be mechanical (cable-based), electronic (EPB), or part of a hybrid system in some vehicles. While the service brakes are operated hydraulically during driving, the parking brake applies friction at the rear wheels to hold the car stationary. Modern cars increasingly use electronic parking brakes with button controls and integrated features such as auto release and hill-start assist.
What the parking brake does and how it differs from the regular brake
All vehicles rely on the service brakes for stopping while moving. The parking brake is a separate system intended to keep the car from rolling after you’ve stopped. It typically acts on the rear wheels and can hold a car on an incline even if the service brakes are not applying force.
There are several common parking brake designs in use today:
- Cable-operated (mechanical) parking brake — a hand lever or foot pedal tensions a steel cable that directly applies the rear brakes (drums or discs).
- Electronic parking brake (EPB) — an electric motor or actuator applies the rear brakes via a switch or button, sometimes with automatic release or hill-start assist.
- Hybrid or integrated systems — some vehicles combine hydraulic actuation with electronic control, though the basic purpose remains the same: to hold the rear wheels stationary.
- Automatic transmission “Park” vs. parking brake — the Park position on an automatic transmission locks the transmission, not the wheels. For maximum security, use the parking brake in addition to selecting Park, especially on slopes.
In practice, most drivers use the parking brake whenever they park, and rely on the regular brakes during driving. The Park gear is primarily a transmission lock, while the parking brake provides a physical hold on the wheels themselves.
Using the parking brake safely
To apply the parking brake correctly, follow these general steps. The steps vary slightly by system (cable, EPB, or hybrid), but the intent is the same: secure the vehicle after coming to a complete stop.
- Stop the car using the service brake until it is at rest.
- Engage the parking brake fully. For a cable brake, pull the lever or push the pedal until you feel it engage. For an EPB, press the brake switch until the indicator shows engaged.
- If you have an automatic transmission, shift to Park after the parking brake is set. If you drive a manual, leave the transmission in first gear (or reverse) as an additional precaution, especially on slopes.
- Turn off the engine and remove the key if you are done driving.
- When leaving the vehicle, gently ease off the service brake to ensure the parking brake is holding, and verify the vehicle is stationary.
- On inclines, consider turning the wheels toward the curb (uphill) or away from the curb (downhill) to further reduce the risk of a roll if the brake were to release.
Engaging the parking brake is a key security step, especially on hills or irregular surfaces. Relying solely on the transmission’s Park position is not enough in all situations, and a properly set parking brake provides an extra layer of protection.
Maintenance and safety tips
Keeping the parking brake in good working order helps prevent rollaways and brake drag. Regular checks and mindful use are essential components of vehicle safety.
- Test the parking brake every time you park—it should hold the vehicle securely without excessive lever travel or pedal travel.
- Inspect for obvious wear or fraying on cables, and listen for unusual noises or dragging when releasing the brake.
- In EPB-equipped cars, ensure the indicator light functions properly and that the system responds promptly to button presses.
- Avoid riding the brake by partially engaging it for extended periods; this can cause premature wear and overheating.
- On steep or irregular surfaces, consider using wheel chocks in addition to the parking brake for added security.
If you notice the parking brake will not hold, drags, or releases unexpectedly, have it inspected promptly by a qualified technician. Timely maintenance prevents accidents and extends the life of the braking components.
Park position vs parking brake: practical implications
Park position (transmission lock)
The Park setting on an automatic transmission locks the transmission gears, helping prevent movement. It does not replace the parking brake, especially on inclined surfaces, where the wheels can still roll if the transmission lock is stressed or if the pawl wears over time.
Practical guidance
As a best practice, engage the parking brake before or right after shifting into Park, particularly on hills. This reduces load on the transmission lock and provides a redundant hold that protects against rollaways in case one system slips.
Summary
The parking brake is a dedicated mechanism to keep a vehicle stationary when it is parked, typically acting on the rear wheels. It can be cable-operated, electronic, or part of a hybrid system, and it complements the regular service brakes rather than replacing them. Use it whenever you park, especially on slopes, and combine it with the Park gear for maximum security. Regular checks and proper operation help ensure the system works when you need it most.
