How to Properly Use a Car Handbrake

The handbrake is a braking system in cars that functions to hold or stop the vehicle's movement. Besides when parking, the car's handbrake is often used when driving on inclines or declines.

The purpose is to stop the car's movement so that the vehicle's speed can be easily controlled. Therefore, you need to understand how to use the car's handbrake so that it functions well and does not get damaged easily.

Types of Handbrakes

Based on how they are used, handbrakes are divided into three types, what are they?

1. Stick Handbrake

This type of handbrake is quite easy to use, as it is in the form of a stick equipped with a button on the top. Usually, the stick handbrake is located in the middle between the driver's seat and the navigator's seat.

Cars with manual or automatic transmissions often use a stick-type handbrake. To use it, you just need to pull or lower the stick lever while pressing the button on top.

2. Button Handbrake

The button handbrake model was created to make it easier to use the handbrake. To use it, simply pull the lever on the button slightly upwards, and the car will brake.

Usually, the button handbrake has a small shape. Not many car manufacturers adopt this type of handbrake.

3. Pedal Handbrake

Similar to the button handbrake, the pedal type is also a new model of handbrake. However, its position is parallel to the gas pedal. The way to use it is not with your hand, but by stepping on it until it is fully engaged.

Then step on it again to release the brake grip if you want to move forward. Many cars with automatic transmissions use this type of handbrake.

How to Use the Handbrake

Although its use seems easy and simple, not many drivers know how to use the handbrake correctly. Therefore, let's take a look at the following review so that the handbrake functions optimally and does not get damaged easily.

1. Specifically for the stick handbrake model, the way to use it is by pulling the stick lever. Make sure you hear a click sound four to seven times. If it exceeds that, take it to the workshop immediately because there may be an adjustment issue with the handbrake.

2. This method applies to all three models of handbrakes. As much as possible, avoid using the handbrake when the car is stopped, whether at a red light or stopping briefly. It is better to position the transmission in 'N' or neutral gear so that the handbrake pads last longer.

3. There is no need to step on or pull the handbrake excessively. For the stick handbrake, the height of the lever pulled is sufficient at 45 degrees. That is enough to lock the car's wheels so they do not move.

4. When driving on an incline, do not accelerate before releasing the handbrake lever. Ensure the handbrake is not engaged. Therefore, the configuration between the gas and the handbrake must be stable and balanced. If the handbrake has not been fully released but you have already stepped on the gas, it can cause the brake cable to break easily.

5. As much as possible, avoid using the handbrake if the car is parked for a long time. For manual transmission cars, you can use a chock to prevent the vehicle from moving. Meanwhile, for automatic cars, just shift the transmission to 'P' or park. This method can prevent the handbrake from locking the wheels.

You should know that using the handbrake incorrectly can actually cause it to wear out quickly. The costs incurred can also be significant. For example, if the brake cable is damaged and needs to be replaced. In the handbrake, there are two brake cables, and if replaced with new ones, the price is around Rp500 thousand per cable.

Not to mention if the brake pads need to be replaced sooner than their expected lifespan. It should be noted that handbrake pads last longer under normal use, which is up to five years or every 10,000 km.