Common handbrake mistakes new drivers often make

Handbrake is an indispensable system on every car, it has the function of keeping the car stationary when parking, in places with different slopes.

Currently, in addition to some new car models, luxury cars are equipped with an electronic parking brake system (Electronic Parking Brake) with automatic control, most popular cars in Vietnam still use the traditional mechanical handbrake system. The handbrake is usually designed as a handle, located near the center armrest between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. In addition, on some automatic cars, the handbrake is designed as a button, located near the gear lever or pedal (under the left foot).

For vehicles using mechanical handbrakes. When pressing the button and pulling the handle at the same time, through the cable system connecting the 2 rear wheels and the push rod (crank), the two brake shoes and brake pads will be pushed against the drum, creating friction, causing the drum and wheel hub to stop rotating. If the rear wheel of the vehicle uses a disc brake mechanism, the handbrake can be combined to take advantage of the pads and discs of the main brake mechanism to operate.

In fact, nowadays, many drivers, especially "new drivers", when operating or parking their cars, often forget to lower/pull the handbrake. This, if repeated, will cause damage to the car. Below are some problems with car handbrakes that "new drivers" often encounter:

Forgot to lower or did not lower the handbrake completely

In the case where the car user forgets to lower or does not fully lower the handbrake and lets the car operate. At this time, the brake shoes and brake pads are still pressed against the drum (or brake disc). The large friction between the brake pads and the drum will generate a lot of heat when the car is running, causing the brake pads to burn. Normally, when this happens, some cars often send out a signal through a warning light on the central clock to remind the driver. In case the driver still does not pay attention to the warning light, after driving the car, he will feel the heaviness of the car along with a burning smell from the brake system.

In addition, sensor systems mounted on the brake assembly such as the ABS anti-lock braking system can also be damaged. However, what is more dangerous is that the heat generated can boil the brake fluid, resulting in brake failure.

Release the handbrake before the car comes to a complete stop.

In addition to forgetting to lower or not fully lowering the handbrake, due to car usage habits or carelessness, some new drivers often lower the handbrake when the car has not completely stopped. In fact, the handbrake is not designed to stop the car while it is moving, but only to keep the car stationary when it has stopped. In the case of a moving car or not completely stopped, if the driver carelessly pulls the handbrake, the braking force on the 2 rear wheels can lead to skidding, causing danger.

Using the handbrake while the car is running is only used by professional drivers to perform drifting stunts. However, cars used for performance are often “modified” with a handbrake system to create greater braking force.

With older car models, in case of unavoidable problems with the foot brake, the solution used by many people is to pull the handbrake, but because the impact force of the handbrake is weaker or the brake pads are worn, it is difficult to take effect.

Forgot to pull the handbrake when parking

One of the common mistakes that drivers make is forgetting to pull the handbrake when parking. This can cause unexpected collisions and accidents. Some new drivers often forget or subjectively think that when parking, shifting the gear lever to P will make the car stop. However, even though the gear lever is shifted to P, the car cannot move because the gearbox holds it, but there are many cases where the car is parked in places with large slopes, the car is under heavy load or for some reason can cause an accident, the P gear loses its effect and the ratchet gear wears out quickly. At this time, if the handbrake is not applied, the car will slide and it is very easy to collide.

Therefore, to ensure safety, when using a car, drivers should get into the habit of pulling the handbrake when stopping or parking.