In which cases should you never use the handbrake?
The braking system is one of the most important features of a car, for the safety of the driver and passengers so you need to know when to use them.
Here are three instances when you should never use the handbrake.
There are some situations where you need to use the handbrake because it is useful.
According to Reader Digest, there are many reasons why you may need to use the handbrake, also known as the emergency brake. These include when you are parking your car and in emergencies, especially when the foot brake is often faulty or not working properly.
Additionally, there are some other situations where you may need to use the handbrake, such as when servicing your car.
When your car is being serviced, it is a good idea to use it to “take stress off the transmission.” It can also keep you and the mechanic safe during the service.
Or you can use the handbrake when you or someone else is changing a car tire, as it will keep the wheel from spinning.
Do not use the handbrake in snow or rain.
There are three situations where a driver should not use the handbrake and two of them are weather related.
Using the handbrake in snowy or rainy weather will cause the rear wheels to lock, making it more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle.
Drivers need to have good control of the vehicle in adverse weather conditions, so using the handbrake can lead to unforeseen disasters.
Do not use the handbrake in freezing weather.
Similarly, when it is very cold for a long time, you should not use the handbrake, not even use the handbrake to park the car.
According to Reader's Digest, extreme cold can cause the emergency brake cable to freeze. If it freezes, the driver will not be able to remove it.
Therefore, drivers should not attempt to drive in icy conditions, as it will lead to loss of control.
In cold, snowy weather you can wait for the brake cable creases to thaw and it will work normally again.
If the driver cannot wait, they can jack up the car and warm the frozen brake lines with a hair dryer or similar tool.
Do not use the handbrake when you are driving normally.
When you are driving normally and nothing is happening, you should not use the handbrake. This is called "braking" and it is an easy way to shorten the life of your car. It causes friction on the brake pads and leads to heat, which can boil the brake fluid.
If the brake fluid boils, it won't function properly, which means your brakes won't function properly.
Most of the time while driving, people will step on the brake pedal because they will not use the handbrake. An easy way to prevent this problem is to not turn on the handbrake while you are driving.
