There are two brake systems in every vehicle. The one that we commonly use is the service brake, and that is the primary brake system that is activated when you step on the brake pedal. The secondary brake system, which is often overlooked, functions as a backup if the service brake fails. Since many view the secondary brake as a backup, this is why the secondary brake system is often referred to as the emergency brake. However, it is also often called the parking brake, e-brake, orhandbrake.
Most people assume that since it is called an emergency brake, it means you hardly should ever use it. “Only in case of emergencies,” people might think. However, that is a common myth. You should almost always use your parking brake whenever and wherever you park. Yes – that applies to both manual and automatic cars.
Why Should I Always Use It?
Your car’s brakes are controlled by a parking pawl, which is a device that locks up your transmission when you put your car in park. Without the parking pawl, your car would simply drive itself away! Like any other vehicle mechanism, the parking pawl can blow out or stop working for any reason. While it may seem like putting the car in “Park” is sufficient at the time, continued use of this part can wear out both the pawl and your transmission (especially if you frequently park on steep hills).
Tip: Put your parking brake on BEFORE shifting the car into “Park” to minimize the tension that is put on your transmission. As a result, you will obtain an extra layer of security, help prevent parking failure, and even avert transmission repairs later down the road.
Next time you are due for a service maintenance appointment, please ask our technicians to inspect both your braking systems. If you are experiencing problems with your brake system, immediately contact us at (410) 833-2025, and our team at Revolution Motor Works will be glad to help. We promise you that safety will always come first!
