Ce que vous devez retenir
- The lever typically located between the seats connects to a cable, which in turn connects to the rear brakes of a car.
- When the driver pulls the lever, the cable activates the brake shoes (if the rear axle has drum brakes) or the pistons of the calipers (if there are rear disc brakes).
- Despite technological advances in vehicle safety systems, the parking brake remains an unchanged fundamental safety feature – whether it’s activated by a lever or a button, its dual purpose continues to protect drivers in both everyday parking situations and rare emergency scenarios.
In an age where cars are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with advanced driver assistance systems dominating the landscape of road safety, one simple yet critical mechanism remains fundamental for every driver: the parking brake. This basic feature serves a dual purpose that many drivers aren’t fully aware of.
The parking brake (commonly called the handbrake or emergency brake) is more than just a tool to keep your car from rolling when parked. It’s actually designed with two distinct yet equally valuable functions that make it an integral safety component in your vehicle.
The dual nature of your parking brake
Your car’s parking brake can be described in two ways: as a parking brake or as an emergency brake. Each name highlights one of its key functions.
When you activate your parking brake, a “P” symbol typically appears on your dashboard. This indication serves as a reminder that your vehicle is secured against unintentional movement, especially on inclined surfaces where gravity might cause your car to roll.
What makes this system unique is its mechanical independence from your car’s main braking system. This separation is what allows the parking brake to serve as a backup safety mechanism.
A critical safety fallback
Imagine this scenario: you’re driving and press the brake pedal, but nothing happens. In this heart-stopping moment, your parking brake becomes your last line of defense against a potential accident.
Because the parking brake operates independently from your main braking system, it remains functional even when your primary brakes fail. While the deceleration provided by the parking brake is less effective compared to your main brakes, it can still gradually slow your vehicle down enough to avoid disaster.
(I’ve personally had to use this function once when driving down a mountain road and experiencing a sudden brake fluid leak – it literally saved my life!)
How does the parking brake actually work?
Traditional parking brakes are fully mechanical and in the vast majority of cases, they act on the rear wheels. The lever typically located between the seats connects to a cable, which in turn connects to the rear brakes of a car.
When the driver pulls the lever, the cable activates the brake shoes (if the rear axle has drum brakes) or the pistons of the calipers (if there are rear disc brakes). This creates friction that prevents the wheels from turning.
The mechanical simplicity of this system is what makes it so reliable as a backup. Unlike the main hydraulic brake system, there are fewer components that can fail.
The evolution to electric parking brakes
Besides the traditional mechanical parking brake, electric parking brakes have been around for many years and are becoming the standard in newer vehicles.
With electric parking brakes, the activation of the braking mechanism is handled by electric motors. The driver simply presses a button typically located on the center console. These systems often work on the rear wheels regardless of which axle provides power, though some vehicles apply braking force to all wheels.
Many modern electric parking brake systems offer additional features like automatic engagement when parking or automatic release when driving away. Some can even provide hill-hold assistance, preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline.
Despite technological advances in vehicle safety systems, the parking brake remains an unchanged fundamental safety feature – whether it’s activated by a lever or a button, its dual purpose continues to protect drivers in both everyday parking situations and rare emergency scenarios.
