How to Properly Use Your Emergency Brake: Tips for New Drivers

Learning to drive comes with a lot of new responsibilities, and it is fundamental for new drivers to understand the basics of emergency brakes. While your parking brakes may seem like a simple system, knowing when and how to properly use them can prevent accidents and avoid costly repairs. At Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, family safety is our first priority, and we prepared a comprehensive guide on how you should use your emergency brake in BC.

When You Should Use Your Emergency Brakes

• Parking

Also called parking brakes, emergency brakes play a fundamental role in securing your car when you park. This is fundamental in cities with steep hills, such as Vancouver, North Vancouver and New Westminster. Failing to use your parking brake can lead to serious accidents and liability issues. This is particularly important for those who drive manual vehicles that can be parked in neutral. However, even cars with automatic transmissions can move a few inches if you don’t pull your handbrake when parking, which not only affects security but also leads to excessive strain on your gears. For these reasons, it is always recommended that you use your emergency brake when you park your car.

• When You Are Working on Your Car

Another situation that requires the use of emergency brakes is when you are doing maintenance on your car. Whether you are changing a flat tire, checking under the hood or working underneath the vehicle, engaging your emergency brake will prevent your car from rolling unexpectedly, which reduces the risks of accidents and ensures a safe operation.

• During Emergencies

As the name suggests, emergency brakes can also be used for emergencies. However, this should be done with caution as rapidly pulling your handbrake while moving may cause your car to spin, making you lose control over your vehicle. If you are in a situation where your primary brakes are not responding, pull the emergency brake gradually until a complete stop. This may not be possible, however, in vehicles in which the parking brakes are activated electronically with a button.

How to Properly Use Emergency Brakes

When it comes to parking, knowing when to pull your handbrake is fundamental to enhancing the durability of your vehicle. While many drivers put their cars in park and apply the emergency brake after, this shouldn’t be done in this order. To prevent wear and tear on your transmission, you should always pull your handbrake before shifting into park. Here is what you should do.

1 – Press the brake pedal until a complete stop and keep your foot on it.

2 – Shift to neutral to remove pressure from the transmission.

3 – Pull the handbrake until you feel resistance.

4 – Shift your transmission into park.

Your Trusted Auto Repair Centre in North Vancouver

At Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, we are committed to helping new drivers stay safe on the road. Counting on experienced professionals, we can provide you with a wide variety of services to help you keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Whether you need an inspection, brake service or general maintenance, we are here for you. Reach out to us!