How to use the electronic handbrake for driver safety
Although electronic handbrake has appeared commonly on many car models, there are still many users who do not fully understand this type of brake.
What is an electronic handbrake?
Electronic handbrake also known as electronic parking brake, is an automatically controlled handbrake that ensures safety in parking situations.
The electronic handbrake is recognized by the letter P symbol located in a circle near the gear lever or dashboard. The brake is controlled completely automatically, the driver does not need to use force but only needs to press the electronic handbrake button on the car. At this time, the electronic brake will immediately intervene in the car's braking system, thereby eliminating the situation of forgetting to pull the brake or pulling it not within the driver's reach.
How the electronic handbrake works
The electronic brake has three main parts: the electric actuator/motor, the electronic brake module and the electrical control switch in the cabin.
When the EPB electronic balance system is turned on, the electronic parking brake module receives the command instruction and the brakes are applied. Because this braking system operates electronically and automatically, it helps the vehicle brake quickly and effectively.
To perform automatic brake release, the driver simply presses his foot on the accelerator pedal. This is convenient and easy as the driver does not need to perform any mechanical action to turn off the brake system.
The electronic handbrake also uses an electric motor to operate and assist in releasing and braking the brake through the P-shaped lever. In case the driver accidentally forgets to pull the brake when stopping/parking on a slope, the system will operate quickly.
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The electronic handbrake operates through the lever marked with the letter P. Photo: Nguyen Long |
Advantages of electronic handbrake
The electronic handbrake was born with the desire to optimize the safety braking function on cars, minimize the dashboard and interior space of the car. Thanks to that, the car using this type of handbrake is considered more luxurious and modern.
In addition, the electronic handbrake has the ability to automatically deactivate when the vehicle is running and the ability to automatically hold the brake when the vehicle stops on a slope. This ensures greater safety for the user.
Another outstanding advantage of the electronic handbrake is the ability to limit the risk for the driver when forgetting to use the handbrake as well as ensuring the safety of the vehicle's transmission system during use. Because the operating principle of this type of brake is designed to help support these cases.
In particular, drivers can use the safe emergency braking feature of the electronic brake even when accelerating, helping to promptly handle emergency and dangerous situations while driving on the road.
How to use the car's electronic handbrake in each case:
While driving
The driver can make an emergency stop while driving by: Pulling the electronic brake switch and holding it. The vehicle will brake gradually when the driver pulls the switch. Then the indicator light will show red, there will be a signal chime and the brake lights will be on. The electronic brake will be activated when the vehicle speed drops below 3km/h.
Release the brake
When the engine switch is on: The driver presses the switch lightly while braking or putting the car in P. At this time, the LED on the switch and the indicator light in the instrument cluster turn off, which means the handbrake is released.
Automatic release
To release automatically, the driver uses the accelerator pedal/foot pedal. When releasing the electronic parking brake, the LED and indicator light will turn off. Under the following conditions, the parking brake will release automatically by using the accelerator pedal/foot pedal:
- The engine is running.
- Put the car in gear.
- The driver's seat belt is fastened and all doors are closed.
Normally, when the electronic handbrake fails, the system will warn the driver immediately. In case the driver encounters a brake failure while driving, use a wheel chock to prevent the car from rolling when the driver gets out of the car.
In general, the electronic handbrake is an advanced braking system used in many car models today. Using a car equipped with electronic brakes will help the driver feel more secure and safe while driving.