When to use your parking brake

Whether the parking brake in your car needs to be engaged with a hand lever or foot pedal, this mechanism is an important safety feature.

In fact, your parking brake plays two very important roles. First, it prevents your car’s drive wheels from moving, which is very useful when parking on slopes. Secondly, it acts as a backup if your primary brakes fail when driving.

It doesn’t matter if you have a manual or automatic transmission, it’s important to keep your parking brake in good working order by using it regularly. This prevents the moving parts from becoming corroded and seizing entirely.

If your parking brake feels loose or seems to have lost some of its holding power, have it inspected immediately by your local mechanic.

You may also hear the parking brake referred to as a hand brake or emergency brake.