When to Use the Handbrake on an Automatic Car? Here's How

As an automatic car user, you should understand how to properly use the handbrake of an automatic car. Although both are part of the braking features, the use of the handbrake is different from the foot brake. So when is the right time to use the handbrake? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.

When Should You Use the Handbrake in an Automatic Car?

For beginner automatic car drivers, knowing the right time to use the handbrake is very important. So when should the handbrake be used? Based on the function of the handbrake, this feature should be used when parking the car, as the handbrake is often referred to as the parking brake.

The handbrake itself was created to park the car on uneven road surfaces. In addition, the handbrake is also used in emergency situations as an alternative to the foot brake. For example, when you are on a road with completely congested traffic.

How to Properly Use the Handbrake in an Automatic Car

There are several ways to use the handbrake on an automatic car that you need to know. Here are the complete methods.

1. How to use the handbrake when parking non-parallel

Here is the correct way to park a non-parallel car on an uphill or downhill road surface using the handbrake.

Pull the handbrake lever first before shifting the lever to the P (Park) position. This condition is done to turn off the engine. When the transmission lever is in the P position, the parking pawl will function as a lock for the car so that it cannot move. If the handbrake has not been activated, when shifting the lever to the P position, the parking pawl will resist the transmission shift. As a result, the transmission becomes heavy and the parking pawl is easily worn out.
Once you have shifted the lever to the P position, you should immediately turn off all the car's electronic systems. This includes the audio, head unit, lights, and AC to prevent the battery from draining.
Next, close all the car door windows, then turn off the engine.

2. How to use the handbrake when parking parallel

Here is the correct way to use the handbrake when you want to park the car parallel.

Follow the steps to turn off the car, just like the method for using the handbrake when parking non-parallel.
Then remove the ignition key if your car still uses the child lock feature.
Then use the shift lock feature by pressing that button. In this condition, don't forget to shift the transmission lever to the N (Neutral) position so that the car can be easily moved.

3. How to use the handbrake on an incline

When the car is on an incline, and you want to use the handbrake, you need to pay attention to the following steps.

When the car is about to ascend the incline, slowly release the handbrake.
Then step on the gas pedal. This condition needs to be done so that the configuration between the handbrake and the gas is balanced. This way, the handbrake cable does not easily break. Avoid stepping on the gas pedal before releasing the handbrake, as it can damage the handbrake cable and cause it to wobble.
If the handbrake of your car is a stick type, make sure the lever you pull is at a 45-degree position and makes a clicking sound four to seven times. If the sound exceeds that, then the handbrake adjustment is not correct.