Does it matter whether or not you have your foot on the brake when you engage or release the parking brake?

Question

Is it enough that the vehicle is in park? ('96 Explorer/Automatic)

My parents? Their both deceased and I'm well past fifty!

Answer 1

I heard from two different sources that you SHOULD keep your foot on the brake.

Check out this article:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1993/October/07.html

"...it only really matters if you're parked on a hill...
[sometimes] the weight of the car resting against the parking pawl can make it almost impossible to get the shifter OUT of Park. And that's why we suggest you use the parking brake...
come to a stop with your foot on the brake. Then apply the parking brake. Once the parking brake is set, shift into Park. When you're ready to drive away, do just the opposite..."

Answer 2

Actually, yeah it does. First of all the brake is used for another function aside from stopping the vehicle and if you follow the prescribed procedures for driving as outlined in any defensive manual and course it tells you the brake application is to be used in applying and releasing the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from moving until the driver is ready for the next step of operation of driving or parking and securing the vehicle. Your parents should be able to recommend a good defensive driving school you could attend.

Answer 3

If its an automatic, then you dont need to have your foot on the brake.

Parking brakes are mostly for Manual Transmissions.

In the old days, we never had to put the Parking brake on... Its these new cars, with the brakes in a "handy spot" and everyone uses them, whether its manual or automatic, tranny, that everyone has gotten used to using them now.

Its not necesary to do that. (But, if your on a steep hill, it maybe a good idea, but flat land, no, its not a neccesity).


I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 4

the motorized automobile would desire to be sitting on an incline. Then there is torque on the strain line it particularly is putting stress on the kingpin contained interior the tranny and it wont shift. attempt rocking the motorized automobile decrease backward and forward on an identical time as some distinctive individual tries to shift it. the different subject that it would be is the electrical powered powered locks on the transmission that are no longer to any quantity extra unlocking. they in subject-loose words launch on an identical time because of fact the ingnition is ON and the brake pedal is pressed down. it will be the lock or between the switches that controls the lock. yet in case you will no longer have the means to apply the launch button, my wager is that the driveline has torque on it.

Answer 5

Yeah, actually it does. Especially in that vehicle. Fords have a bad record of not actually being in park when the gear lever is in that position. Also, the vehicle can roll against the park pawl on an incline. This weakens the pawl and can eventually lead to failure.

Answer 6

Technically you should and you should hold in the locking button as you engage so as not to wear the ratchet out. Even w. automatics they can appear to be in park and not be, I once came out of a 7/11 worse for wear and my car had disappeared down the road.

Answer 7

sometimes there might be a little play when engaging or disengaging the parking break... it shouldnt matter while in park but i just choose to not take the chance

Answer 8

No it doesn't matter. I would use th eparking brake on steep grades while parked. Or if you are towing something.

Answer 9

It doesn't matter, but having your foot on the brakes will be safer.

Answer 10

Naw