Why does my car say park brake applied?
If your car's dashboard displays the message "Park Brake Applied," it typically indicates that the parking brake or handbrake is engaged, even if you don't feel it being applied. This is a safety feature to prevent the vehicle from rolling away unexpectedly when parked.
Understanding the Park Brake
The park brake, also known as the handbrake or emergency brake, is a secondary braking system in your vehicle. It is designed to hold the car in place when it is parked, even on an incline. Unlike the main foot brake, the park brake is manually operated, usually by pulling a lever or pressing a button inside the car.
When the park brake is applied, it engages the rear brakes, preventing the wheels from turning. This warning message on your dashboard is the car's way of letting you know that the park brake is still on, even if you can't physically feel it being applied.
Reasons the Park Brake May Be Applied
There are a few common reasons why your car's park brake may be applied, even if you don't remember engaging it:
- You forgot to release the park brake: This is the most common reason. When you park your car, you should always remember to fully release the park brake before driving off.
- The park brake is stuck or malfunctioning: Over time, the park brake mechanism can become worn or stuck, causing it to remain engaged even when you try to release it.
- The park brake was automatically applied: Some cars have a feature that automatically applies the park brake when the engine is turned off or the car is shifted into park.
If the "Park Brake Applied" warning persists, it's a good idea to have your car inspected by a mechanic to identify and resolve the issue.
Resolving the "Park Brake Applied" Warning
To resolve the "Park Brake Applied" warning, you should first try to manually release the park brake. This is usually done by pulling the park brake lever or pressing the park brake button until you feel the brake release. If the warning light remains on, there may be an issue with the park brake system that requires further investigation and repair.
If you're unsure how to properly release the park brake or the warning light doesn't turn off, it's best to consult your owner's manual or have a mechanic take a look at your vehicle.
