I know this question isn't very commonly asked, but I've heard, and read, different opinions about using the handbrake on auto's or manual's. Most people who drive auto's don't use their handbrake while majority who drive manual's do. I drive a manual and don't use my handbrake (unless it's a very steep hill) and same thing with an auto, it's just a habit. I wanted to know if it's bad not using the hand brake, and what people here generally do.
Handbrake usage
- Thread starter 2.2TDI
- Start date
40X40
Experienced
I use the PARKING brake each time I PARK. It keeps the brake cables working freely and prevents damage to the transmission parking pawl. The car maker intended them to be used that way...
Good habits are worth cultivating.
Bill
Good habits are worth cultivating.
Bill
GoFaster
Moderator at Large
Use it or lose it. If you don't use the parking brake, the cables and mechanisms WILL seize, particularly in a salty/slushy winter environment.
I've heard of that going both ways... that if you do use it, mostly in cold weather, it can seize and snap... I'm from eastern europe, and can safely say that most of the old timers don't use their handbrake, again I'm just quoting what I have heard, and seen, so that's why I'm asking because the trend seems to be different over here.
TDI_Dan
Veteran Member
I've used mine in my last American auto as well as the golf manual. I feel it's a good idea to use it occasionally while driving so you know what to expect and how the car behaves in the event of hydraulic failure. (Just a be prepared measure) It's also fun in the winter around back road corners when the front just isn't getting traction. (Winter drifting) You get funny reactions from passengers not expecting it. ? They should teach how to use this in drivers education but sadly they do not.
40X40
Experienced
I use the parking/handbrake in every car I drive, manual or automatic, flat ground or steep. I've never had an issue with snapping or seizure. I haven't lived in extremely cold environments though. I will say they do require the occasional adjustment as I've been in a couple of vehicles that have had a slight roll down hills despite being in gear/Park plus the brake set to the maximal setting. That's not where you want to be.
compu_85
Gadget Guy
The parking brake adjusts the rear brakes. If you don't set it the brakes don't adjust.
Additionally, if one wheel is able to slip the car can roll in park... it will spin one wheel backwards. Using the parking brake securely locks 2 wheels.
-J
Additionally, if one wheel is able to slip the car can roll in park... it will spin one wheel backwards. Using the parking brake securely locks 2 wheels.
-J
Bob_Fout
Oil Wanker
If parked downhill, put the transmission into reverse and use the parking brake. If it still rolls, it's been pushed
If parked uphill, put it into 1st and use the parking brake.
eb2143
Top Post Dawg
Neighbor made a couple grand mistake of trusting the transmission on their manual. Popped out of gear on a slight incline at their house and rolled into a stone wall and basketball hoop....just another reason to always use it. I usually leave the car in gear and always set the brake.
Appreciate your opinions guys, it's very interesting to hear different view points. I did ask a mechanic the same question and he told me a whole other story. Yes he mentioned it may break if not used for a long time, but on the other hand he said that when parking it's not needed. He said auto's have the pin (which was mentioned before) and that it won't do any damage to it even on steep hills and in manuals leaving it in gear won't affect the tranny or engine in anyway...
compu_85
Gadget Guy
The tiny lill pawl that holds the transmission in park can be damaged by putting too much load on it. Ever wonder why it's hard to pull the car out of park when you use only the transmission to hold the car on a steep hill?
-J
-J
Ski in NC
Top Post Dawg
Auto trans- use handbrake to park on hills. If flat, why bother.
Man trans- use hand brake when parked, leave in gear if any hill.
That's my humble take on the issue.
Man trans- use hand brake when parked, leave in gear if any hill.
That's my humble take on the issue.
VeeDubTDI
Wanderluster, Traveler, TDIClub Enthusiast
Parking brake. Every single time.
40X40
Experienced
I find it interesting to encounter people who, when exposed to both facts and opinions, only see 'different view points'.
Critical thinking. Practice it.
Why is it called a 'parking brake' and why does the operators manual tell your to use each time you park the car?
Bill
Why do you people have to pick on someone on forums, is it because it gives you superiority? I asked a simple question, I formulate whatever opinion I want. That doesn't mean I have to be judged. I told you what another person told me, doesn't mean I believe him.... I am a pilot with an engineering background, don't tell me to use critical thinking, I do all the time and it could mean life or death, so show some respect...
MODS: Please delete this topic, I apologize for the flame and this was not my intention, I just wanted to have a simple disscusion where people don't start criticizing others without even knowing who the person is...
MODS: Please delete this topic, I apologize for the flame and this was not my intention, I just wanted to have a simple disscusion where people don't start criticizing others without even knowing who the person is...
arne487
Veteran Member
This thread needs to use the parking brake because it's quickly heading downhill.
40X40
Experienced
Nobody is picking on you here. Facts were presented, as well as opinions. If you really can't tell the difference, then you have a problem that cannot be solved on a car forum.
You are always welcome to your own opinion, but not your own facts...
Btw, you aren't the only pilot posting in this thread, nor the only one with an engineering background.
Chill
Bill
You are always welcome to your own opinion, but not your own facts...
Btw, you aren't the only pilot posting in this thread, nor the only one with an engineering background.
Chill
Bill
DPM
Top Post Dawg
Bill, elsewhere in the world the friction device is known as an E-brake or a handbrake. It is NOT just for parking.
fruitcakesa
Top Post Dawg
I have always used it for all the reasons mentioned in both auto and standard trans.
However, if you have original cables on your oldish car and live in a salty, slushy region you should make sure the cables are not rusting inside the sheathes because they can freeze/seize at inopportune times.
So, if the cables are in good shape, use the brake, otherwise replace the cables and use them
However, if you have original cables on your oldish car and live in a salty, slushy region you should make sure the cables are not rusting inside the sheathes because they can freeze/seize at inopportune times.
So, if the cables are in good shape, use the brake, otherwise replace the cables and use them
MrMopar
Top Post Dawg
I use the handbrake if I need to make a really quick, really sharp turn.
TDIJetta99
Top Post Dawg
I use mine pretty much every time the car isn't moving and I'm not in it.. I use it sometimes when the car is moving too. I find myself using only about 50% of the time with the automatic though..
And DPM is right.. It's not called a "Parking Brake" everywhere in the world..
And DPM is right.. It's not called a "Parking Brake" everywhere in the world..
01greenjetta
Veteran Member
It is really helpful turning in icy and muddy situations. I used to do it for fun when I was a kid, and now I find when my car is starting to push while making a turn in mud, Ice, or snow, I instinctively use the "E-brake" to get the back end to come around a little. Not using it for parking is "rubbish" as they say across the pond.I use the handbrake if I need to make a really quick, really sharp turn.
40X40
Experienced
I know that and agree!
Did someone say it was just for parking?
In countries where is is called an E-brake, doesn't the manual tell you to use it each time you park? It is important to use it when you park so that it stays in working order (for the other uses too!) and your rear brakes stay in adjustment.Did you know that the proper use of the parking brake when starting on an incline is not generally taught in the USA?
Bill
Ol'Rattler
Top Post Dawg
Make sure to use it on a regular basis so that the cables don't seize inside the cable housing. Do not use it in freezing weather as it may not release do to freezing slush.
On a manual or auto, not really required unless you are on a hill. With an auto, on a hill, set it prior to going to park.
On a manual or auto, not really required unless you are on a hill. With an auto, on a hill, set it prior to going to park.
slamhouse
Veteran Member
I believe you have it backwards...If parked downhill, put the transmission into reverse and use the parking brake. If it still rolls, it's been pushed
JSWTDI09
Top Post Dawg
Using the hand brake, E-Brake, parking brake (whatever you call it) is always a good idea, but the above quote it the best reason why it should be used regularly. It is a built-in "feature" of our cars.
Have Fun!
Don
Bob_Fout
Oil Wanker
If you are parked downhill, the front of the car pointing down a hill, which gear would you to be in?
BeeJee
Well-known member
Nah. he's correct.
You put it in reverse, I know for a fact he's wrong.