There are many questions that car owners have about their vehicles, but the one that comes up the most often is when is it necessary to use the parking brake. Find out when or if you really should use the parking brake.
What is a Parking Brake?
Parking brakes are also known as emergency brakes or handbrakes. The primary purpose of your parking brake is to stop your vehicle from moving when the primary braking system fails. This leads many people to believe that the parking brake should only be used in emergency situations, but the truth is that it’s useful in other situations.
Use Your Parking Brake on Hills
There are certain circumstances where you always need to set your parking brake, like when you park your vehicle on a hill. This is particularly true when your car uses an automatic transmission. If you start a car with an automatic transmission while on a slope, it can cause your car to roll, which you don’t want. Always use the parking brake when your vehicle is on a slanted surface.
Preserve Your Car’s Functionality
While most people don’t realize it, regularly using the parking brake can protect your vehicle from long-term damage. With the engine turned off, you can engage your park and put the transmission either in Park or Gear. This will help preserve multiple engine parts, including your CV joints, transmission, and clutch. It also reduces wear on the cables and levers in your vehicle.
To keep your vehicle safe and secure its long-term functionality, make sure to regularly use your parking brake.
Image via Flickr by Jayel Aheram
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