What is the emergency brake for and how do i use it?

Question

I never knew I was supose to use the emergency brake when parking. So people please tell me how to properly use it. Like all the steps. Like keep foot on brake, then go to park, then lift the emergency break, then release the brake. I'm not sure.

When can I use it. .. etc etc.

How can it be bad for my car? in what scenarios. etc etc.

thanks.

i have an automatic car..

Do you think it's a parking brake or an emergency brake. When i pull that thingy up, a light shows "brake" so what is it? emergency brake or a parking brake?

Answer 1

The reason you use your ebrake is
1. by using it, you keep the cable from seizing (it may stop working from lack of use)
2. it prevents your transmission from holding the full weight of your car when you are parked on a hill.

Use it whenever you park you car. Bring your car to a stop using the brake. Put your gear in Park. Pull up the lever or push down the brake pedal depending on what kind of car you have. You don't need to press the brake when you pull up the ebrake level/or push the ebrake pedal.

The only risk with using the ebrake is forgetting to disengage it when you begin to move the car. If you do this, you will know it's engaged because your car won't move as quick as usual.

Answer 2

the area i live in is hilly so i always use my parking/emergency brake, whether it be in an automatic or manual tranny. its just there to stop ur car from moving around when its parked.

there are two general kinds of parking/emerg. brakes. the first one is a lever to your left with a botton on the end. to engage, just pull up whenever u need it, typically after u park. there arent really any steps to it, but im usually stepping on the brakes anyways. then there are the ebrakes that are next to the brake/clutch peddle. press to engage, press again to disengage.

if u have an auto, it is almost never necessary, but always just an added safety bonus. for manual trannys, it is pretty much a must. someone could push your car away if it isnt used.

only bad thing about using it is forgetting its up and driving with it engaged... it happens to ppl that arent use to using it

Answer 3

When you put the car in park. take your foot of the brake and then put on the emergency brake. When you get in the car release it before you move .... as long as you dont drive with it on it doesnt mater if you put it on before you turn off the car and release it after you restart the car.
The only time it can cause problems is if you drive with it on.
Some mechanics say dont use it it can damage the car.. thats false.. It doesnt cause any damage.... and if you ahev a stick shift you have to use the brake when you park...
The car when in park in an autp his held by a little pin no bigger than a nail. So if you have a heavy load behind you car .. ie towing.. and you are on a hill it puts a lot of stress on that pin.. it can snap and ... the car will roll.
so basicall. .. when you stop put the car in park take foot of brake you can then put on the emergancy brake and turn off the car. ( you can put the brake on when you have turned the car off too. )
When you return to the car you can relaease the brake before you start the car. Or you can start car... relase emergency brake.... put foot on brake put car in drive. It doesnt matter as long as you dont drive with the emergency brake on.....
Final point If the emergency brake could damage your car then manuafacturers wouldnt fit it.....

Answer 4

how long have you been driving?if you have an automatic on level ground you dont really need the e brake.just place the transmission in park.if on an incline hold your foot on the brake,pull the e brake and place the car into park.this keeps your transmission from being in a bind when the weight of the car is on the parking posistion

Answer 5

it can be called a parking brake or an emergency brake. the proper way to use it is to...when you get in your car, set the P or E brake...start your car...put the transmission in drive or in a gear so that you go in a forward direction. keep driving to your destination. when arrived at your destination, disengage your P or E brake, shut your vehicle off. get out. when you can smell a burning scent...you will know that the brake works.

Answer 6

For a standard, stick shift, I always use the parking brake (emergency brake), and I think everyone does.
For an automatic, I thought you only have to use it on a hill, when parked. Not sure.

Answer 7

emergency break is used in as a "backup" in the event the park or gear fails on your transmission. it should be used as a safety net in the event of transmission failure when car is parked.
HOW TO ENGAGE emergency brake:
-Once car is on park, shut engine off, engage emergency brake then depress foot off break pedal.

HOW TO DISENGAGE:
press on break pedal, disengage emergency brake, turn engine on, put vehicle on drive, safely pull away :)

Answer 8

The name emergency brake was dropped 50 years ago.
It was intended to be used if other brakes failed.
Useless at today's speeds; it's now the parking brake.
Only driving instructors insist on using it today.
If you don't use it regularly, it'll stick in the on position.

Answer 9

e brake isnt really needed for parking unless you have a standard transmission and it should be used if your brake pedal is nonresponsive and it can be activated by either a handle on the right handside or a small pedal on the left hand side

Answer 10

You do not need to use it unless your hydraulic brake system fails.You will get a lot of opinions on this, but the cable can get rusty and jam in the on position.It can get water in it and freeze in the cold weather.In my opinion do not use it unless your hydraulics's fail. You have a park position on you shifter so use that