How many people actually use their parking brake?

Question

I had a friend in my car the other day, and when we reached our destination, I set the parking brake, as I always do. My friend literally asked what it was, and when I explained, he was confused.

So it became a topic of conversation amongst my other friends, and I was amazed that none of them ever used it. Maybe it's because I grew up driving manual transmissions, but even in an automatic, I always use it.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, the parking brake/hand brake is a device in your vehicle that engages the brake, or a lock, on your wheels, which prevents the wheels from turning, independently of placing that vehicle in park.

The "P" on your gearshift is a separate device that engages a prawl on the transmission, to prevent it from engaging. While this does prevent the car from rolling, this prawl can get worn out, or even break, especially if used on hills, as it is subject to a greater amount of pressure, due to the weight of the vehicle.

I'm just curious if anyone else routinely uses their parking brake, as is recommended, or if I'm really the only one.

MuddyMole · Accepted Answer

I drive a manual, and yes, I always use the handbrake, unless I'm parking overnight and it's cold enough that there's a chance of it freezing on.

For ages though, I had a car without a functioning handbrake, and it really wasn't much of a problem. I used to drive around with a brick to put under a wheel if I ever had to park on a steep hill, but most of the time it's enough to just leave it in gear. The worst thing was stopping at a set of traffic lights that were on a very steep hill - had to be quick to get off the brakes and onto the accelerator without rolling back.

It's definitely a good habit to leave the car in gear while parked, as it's not uncommon for handbrakes to fail without much warning. It happened to my ex - she thought her car had been stolen, but actually the handbrake had failed, and it had rolled into the middle of the road, causing an obstruction, so the police had come and towed it away by the time she got there (she had to pay a pretty hefty fee to get it back).

horsenrhinounicorn · Accepted Answer

The parking break lengthens the life of the transmission by holding the car in place with the rear brakes rather than putting all the stress on the transmission. The steeper the incline the more stress you put on the transmission. Over time, as the transmission wears out some cars are no longer able to keep the car in place while in park, so obviously there is the risk of the car rolling off. Setting the parking brake is a simple preventative measure that can change the outcome.

WhatTheHeckkkk · Accepted Answer

I always use mine. I mean, I was never taught to use it unless on a hill because I drive an automatic, but it still eases my anxiety when I know the parking brake is up.

I’ve seen cars roll and crash before on hills because someone didn’t use their parking brake, that was terrifying. I also would hate to come back to my car and see that… Just because of one mistake. Imagine the damage it caused, and the cost to fix your car/the surroundings if held accountable.

My boyfriend drives manual, and one time we were at a gas station, and the gas station was on a slight hill. The front of his car was on the side of the gas station that has a decline. He obviously put his car in park, but left the keys in the ignition. When he stepped out of the car, his car started rolling down because he forgot to put the parking brake on. I was shitting myself because a car was literally parked right in front on his car too lol. Honest mistake, but made me so nervous lol

SaoirseS · Accepted Answer

I always use mine. Thankfully my husband and I have separate cars. I told him if he ever needs to use my car, if it takes getting to 4500 rpm to get up to 5mph, he needs to disengage the parking brake.

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

I don’t know anyone that does not use it. it’s just second nature.  Weird people not using it. also how else you supposed to take corners?

purplepoppy · Answer

I drive a manual and I always use it. I don't know anyone who doesn't

whirled_up_girl · Answer

I mainly use it on a hill, to keep from slipping out of park but perhaps I should be using it routinely.

DarkWinterNights · Answer

I use it on a hill or incline. Just a regular flat parking lot usually not. I‘be always driven automatics I was taught to shift into neutral, pull the e-brake/engage parking brake, then shift into park.

WhiteSteve · Answer

Only on steep hills, but my driveway is a steep hill, so I often use it when I stop at the bottom at the beginning of the incline to get the mail.

Apple1996 · Answer

Only if I park on a hill and had to use it a few times when my car broke down and it was stuck in drive (those times were super scary)

DryGermanGuy · Answer

I always use the parking brake. If your rolling car damages something or someone, the insurance company will put the squeeze on you.

Smashingdoozy · Answer

Always use it. My driveway is on a little hill so it's just habit

whereismyjohnny · Answer

Lol, I always use it. I'm not gonna get out of the car without pulling the parking brake 😂

Guy13 · Answer

😂. Yep, even with my 65 Valiant on column…no parking break.

Redstang88 · Answer

Never owned a vehicle with a functioning park brake, manuals included

Likes2drive · Answer

Hardly ever but the car I have now automatically engages when parking

dustybiker · Answer

Always. Most of my vehicles have been manual.

exitseven · Answer

I only use it when I park on a hill

Whatthefluff · Answer

Only on a hill

zagor · Answer

Only when parking on a reasonably steep hill.

msc545 · Answer

I always use mine on any car.

How many people actually use their parking brake?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

How many people actually use their parking brake?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.