Can I use the handbrake instead of the footbrake to stop the car?
Each type of brake has its own function and using the handbrake should only be considered a last resort if the foot brake no longer does its job of stopping the vehicle.
To determine whether the handbrake can replace the foot brake to stop the vehicle or not? First, the user needs to understand the structure of this type of brake.
The handbrake on a car is called that because in the past, Vietnamese people who came into contact with this part were often instructed to use their hands to pull it. In fact, this type of brake is also called the parking brake because it has the function of assisting when parking on a slope.
Nowadays, cars are more modern and the "handbrake" is shown in the form of a lever, a pull handle located near the steering wheel, a pedal on the left side near the footrest, a push button and is divided into 2 types: Traditional mechanical and electronic.
In which, the traditional mechanical handbrake consists of a cable connected to the two rear wheels. When pulling the handbrake, this cable will convert the pulling force into pressure on the vehicle's rear brake pads (disc brakes) or brake shoes (with drum brakes) to hold the vehicle fixed in place.
The electronic handbrake was born later and is increasingly popular on new car models with a structure consisting of a DC electric motor actuator mounted on the two rear wheels, an EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) control box and a handbrake switch. The electronic handbrake is recognized by the letter P in a circle printed on the switch located near the gear lever or dashboard.
When the electronic handbrake is activated, the signal is transmitted to the electric motor through the control box so that the rear brake pads close to help stop the vehicle. In particular, the electronic handbrake can automatically release the brake when the driver shifts into D, R or presses the accelerator pedal to avoid the brake locking when the driver forgets to release the handbrake.
In some vehicles, the electronic parking brake operates via an electric motor on the brake shoe, which is integrated into a separate smaller brake drum on the inside of the rear brake disc and also provides a hill start assist hold function.
Automotive engineer Nguyen Ngoc Thang - Director of Auto i-Tech Service Center (Hanoi) said: "The handbrake system, whether traditional mechanical or electronic, will never be able to stop the car as well or as stably as the foot brake because the foot brake will apply force to both the front and rear brakes."
"In addition, the force of the foot pushing on the brake helps activate the pistons to push into the cylinder to create much stronger hydraulic pressure, pressing the brake pads or brake shoes against the brake discs or drums more strongly," Mr. Thang emphasized.
Therefore, the driver should only use the handbrake to keep the vehicle stationary when stopping on steep and uneven road conditions.
In some countries in the US and Europe, the car handbrake is also called the emergency brake, which means that the handbrake can still be used to stop the car in an emergency if the foot brake fails.
However, Mr. Thang said that most modern cars are front-wheel drive, so the front of the car will be heavier, the rear braking force is not too strong, normally the handbrake only provides about 40% of the braking force to the rear wheels.
In addition, the ABS anti-lock braking system does not work when using the mechanical or electronic handbrake. Therefore, when driving at high speed, using the handbrake will cause the rear wheels to lock and the vehicle may swing to one side, which can be unsafe.
The engineer also recommends that users should be cautious before performing emergency braking and it is best to avoid this situation altogether. If forced to use them, consider it as a last resort and pray that the road ahead is clear of traffic to minimize damage to surrounding vehicles.
Finally, have a technician at a reputable repair shop check your car every time you change your oil and they will let you know when your brake pads, hoses, or brake lines need to be replaced.
Don't ignore their suggestions when it comes to brakes, because it is a system that not only ensures the vehicle's safe operation but is also directly related to the survival of the driver and passengers inside the vehicle.
