Understanding Car Handbrake Functions, Types and How to Use Them

When we talk about  driving a car, one aspect that has an important role is the handbrake. The car handbrake is an important component in the braking system of a vehicle. The handbrake, also known as the handbrake, plays an important role in safety and keeping the car stationary when it is parked or stopped.

In this article, we will explore the function of the handbrake on a car, its types, how it works, and how to use the handbrake correctly. Check out all the important information related to car handbrakes with  TransTRACK.

Car Handbrake Functions

The car handbrake has several main functions that play a key role in maintaining vehicle safety. Let’s have a complete and detailed discussion about the functions of the handbrake:

Keeping the Car Still While Parking

The main function of the handbrake is to keep the car stationary when parked. While it may seem simple, it is especially important when the car is parked on a slope or slippery surface. The handbrake serves as a backup system that prevents the car from moving on its own, reducing the risk of skidding or rolling over while parking.

Prevents Overloading of the Parking Transmission (P-N)

When parking an automatic car, most people tend to simply move the transmission lever to the “Park” (P) position without using the handbrake. This can cause excessive load on the parking transmission, and over time, can damage the transmission system. Engaging the handbrake helps distribute the load and reduce the stress on the parking transmission.

Emergency Action as an Additional Brake

In addition to its primary function as a parking brake, the handbrake also acts as an emergency measure if the main brake system fails. In this situation, the handbrake can be relied upon to stop the car’s movement. However, it is important to remember that the handbrake is not as effective as the main brake, so drivers should remain vigilant and take the car to a repair shop immediately for further repairs.

Types of Car Handbrakes and How to Use Them

There are several types of car handbrakes that are commonly used, and each has a slightly different way of working.

Mechanical Handbrake

The mechanical or manual handbrake is the most common type found in conventional cars. This type of brake is operated by pulling a lever located between the driver and front passenger seats. This lever is directly connected to the car’s rear wheel braking system.

Using a mechanical handbrake is very simple. Once the car has come to a complete stop and the main brake is applied, gently pull the handbrake lever. Make sure that the lever has reached the right resistance point to provide enough resistance to the wheels. When the lever is pulled, the cable will pull the brakes on the rear wheels, creating enough friction to hold the vehicle in place.

Electric Handbrake

The electric handbrake is a modern innovation that is increasingly common in today’s cars. Unlike the mechanical handbrake, the electric handbrake is activated using a button or lever located around the center console or instrument panel. It uses an electronic system and is often integrated with the car’s main brake system.

Using an electric handbrake is easier and often more practical. When activated, the electric handbrake will automatically hold the wheels of the vehicle. Some models even have an automatic feature to lower the handbrake when the car starts moving. This provides extra comfort to the driver.

Pedal Handbrake

The pedal handbrake, also known as the parking pedal, is a type of handbrake that is also commonly found, especially on automatic cars. In general, the pedal handbrake is located to the left of the main brake pedal. To activate it, drivers simply press the parking pedal with their foot.

Besides being found on automatic cars, handbrake pedals are also commonly found on trucks or heavy vehicles. Its function is similar to mechanical and electric handbrakes, which is to hold the vehicle while parked. The use of a pedal handbrake often requires strong legs to provide maximum holding.

How the Handbrake Works

There are two mechanisms of how the car handbrake works based on the type of component, namely the drum handbrake and the disc handbrake. Here is the explanation:

Drum handbrake: In  dromol hand brakes, the brake shoes will stick and press against the drum on the wheel when the brake lever is pulled. The friction and pressure will keep the wheel stationary so that the car cannot move.

Disc handbrake: The disc handbrake disc uses a hydraulic piston that will push the brake lining to clamp the disc when the brakes are applied. When the disc is pinched, it will make it difficult for the car to move even if it is pushed.

Over time, a car’s handbrake system is subject to wear and tear. Therefore, good maintenance is essential to ensure its performance remains optimal. One way to perform effective maintenance is by using the TransTRACK Vehicle Maintenance System.

The Vehicle Maintenance System is the best solution for monitoring the condition of the handbrake and other systems on your car. Thanks to advanced technology, you can receive real-time notifications of potential problems and schedule necessary maintenance.

By utilizing the Vehicle Maintenance System, you can ensure that your car’s handbrake is always functioning properly and reliably. This not only improves driving safety but can also save long-term maintenance costs by detecting problems early before they become serious. So, what are you waiting for? Contact  TransTRACK right now and experience an effective vehicle monitoring system to maintain optimal performance!