You should use the parking brake in an automatic car almost every time you park. This simple step protects your car’s transmission from unnecessary stress and damage, especially when parked on an incline. Using it regularly prevents the small metal parking pawl from bearing the full weight of your vehicle, ensuring greater safety and longevity.
Have you ever wondered about that extra pedal or lever in your automatic car? The one you might rarely touch? That’s your parking brake, and it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of a car. Many drivers think it’s only for steep hills or emergencies. This confusion can lead to costly problems down the road.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It’s a common question, and the answer is simpler than you think. Learning when and how to use your parking brake is a small habit that makes a big difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step. You’ll soon feel confident and in control, knowing you’re protecting your car the right way.
What Exactly Is a Parking Brake?
Think of your parking brake as your car’s safety net. It’s a purely mechanical system, separate from your main hydraulic brakes that you use with the pedal. Its main job is to lock your wheels in place so your car cannot move, no matter what. You might know it by a few different names, such as:
- Handbrake
- Emergency Brake (or E-Brake)
- Parking Lever
All these names refer to the same thing. Unlike your regular brakes which work by pressing fluid through lines, the parking brake uses steel cables to physically clamp down on your rear brakes. This direct connection is what makes it so reliable. Even if your main brakes fail, the parking brake can still bring you to a stop. However, its primary, everyday purpose is to keep your car securely parked.
The Parking Pawl vs. The Parking Brake: Your Transmission’s Best Friend
This is the most important concept to understand. When you shift your automatic car into “Park” (P), you’re not actually using the brakes. Instead, you are engaging a small metal pin inside your transmission called a “parking pawl.” This pawl slides into a notched ring, much like putting a pin in a spinning wheel, to stop the transmission’s output shaft from turning.
Here’s the problem: the parking pawl is a relatively small metal component. It was never designed to hold the entire weight of your car, which can be thousands of pounds. When you park on a hill and rely only on the “Park” gear, all of that vehicle weight rests on this single pin. You might have noticed your car lurching slightly after you shift to Park on a slope. That’s the sound of the car’s weight slamming onto the parking pawl.
Over time, this immense stress can cause the parking pawl to wear down, weaken, or even break. A broken pawl can lead to a catastrophic failure where your car could roll away unexpectedly. It also makes shifting out of Park much harder, often resulting in a loud, unsettling “clunk.”
The parking brake is the solution. By engaging the parking brake before you shift into Park, you allow the strong brake cables to hold the car’s weight. The parking pawl then acts as a simple backup, under no stress at all. You’re letting the right part do the right job.
The Golden Rule: When Should You Use the Parking Brake?
The simplest and safest answer is: You should use your parking brake every single time you park. Making this a habit protects your vehicle in more situations than you might think. It’s not just for hills; it’s for peace of mind and the long-term health of your car.
Let’s look at a few common scenarios where the parking brake proves its worth.
Parking on a Hill (Even a Slight One)
This is the most critical time to use your parking brake. As explained, relying only on the parking pawl on an incline puts tremendous strain on your transmission. It’s like asking a small doorstop to hold back a heavy steel door. The parking brake takes this strain off the transmission, holding the car securely with the braking system, which is designed for that force. This prevents wear and tear and significantly reduces the risk of your car rolling away.
Parking on Flat Ground
You might think it’s unnecessary on a perfectly level surface, but using the parking brake here is still a smart move. Imagine someone accidentally bumps your parked car in a parking lot. If only the parking pawl is holding it, the impact could be enough to damage or break that small pin, leading to costly repairs. With the parking brake engaged, the wheels are locked, providing a much stronger defense against accidental nudges and bumps.
Furthermore, using it regularly keeps the brake cables lubricated and free from rust and corrosion. A parking brake that is never used can seize up, making it useless in a real emergency.
Table: Parking Scenarios and Why the Parking Brake is Your Hero
This table breaks down when to use your parking brake and why it’s so important in each situation.
| Parking Scenario | Why Using the Parking Brake is Essential | Potential Risk Without It |
|---|---|---|
| On a Steep Hill | Holds the full weight of the car, preventing massive strain on the transmission’s parking pawl. | Parking pawl failure, car rolling away, severe transmission damage. |
| On a Slight Incline | Even small slopes put stress on the transmission. The parking brake ensures the car is held by the brakes, not the gearbox. | Gradual wear and tear on the parking pawl, making it harder to shift out of Park. |
| On Flat Ground | Protects the parking pawl if another car bumps into yours. Also keeps the brake cables from seizing up due to non-use. | Potential for transmission damage from a minor collision; brake system could fail in an emergency. |
| When Changing a Tire | Provides a critical layer of safety, ensuring the car cannot roll while it’s jacked up. | The car could shift and fall off the jack, causing serious injury or death. |
| Parking for a Long Time | Keeps the system in good working order and provides a secure hold over extended periods. | Cables can seize from inactivity, making the brake unusable when you need it most. |
How to Properly Use Your Parking Brake: A Simple 4-Step Guide
The order in which you apply the brake and shift gears matters. Following this sequence ensures the car’s weight rests on the parking brake, not the transmission. It will quickly become second nature.
- Come to a Complete Stop: With your car in the desired parking spot, keep your foot pressed firmly on the regular brake pedal. The car should be completely still.
- Shift to Neutral: While your foot is still on the brake, move the gear selector to “Neutral” (N). This disconnects the engine from the wheels.
- Engage the Parking Brake: Now, firmly apply the parking brake. Whether it’s a lever, pedal, or button, make sure it is fully engaged. You should feel it tighten.
- Settle and Shift to Park: Briefly release your foot from the main brake pedal. You may feel the car move ever so slightly as its weight settles onto the parking brake. After it settles, press the brake pedal again and shift the gear selector to “Park” (P). You can now turn off the car.
By following these steps, you guarantee the parking brake is doing the heavy lifting. When you’re ready to drive away, just reverse the process: start the car, press the main brake pedal, shift out of Park, and then release the parking brake.
Different Types of Parking Brakes in Modern Cars
Not all parking brakes look the same. Your car will likely have one of these three common types. Knowing which one you have is the first step to using it correctly.
The Classic Hand Lever
This is the most traditional type, a long lever located in the center console between the driver and passenger seats. To engage it, you simply pull the lever up until it feels tight. A button on the end of the lever must be pressed to release it as you lower it back down.
The Foot Pedal
Common in many automatic sedans, SUVs, and trucks, this is a small, third pedal located to the far left of the brake and accelerator pedals. You press it down with your foot to engage it. To release it, there is often a smaller lever on the dashboard you pull, or you may need to press the pedal again to disengage it.
The Electronic Button
Increasingly common in newer vehicles, this replaces the mechanical lever or pedal with a simple switch or button. It’s usually marked with a “(P)” symbol inside a circle. To engage it, you typically pull the small switch up. To release it, you push it down, often while your foot is on the main brake pedal. These systems are just as effective and automatically apply the right amount of force.
Busting Common Parking Brake Myths
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about parking brakes. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths so you can use yours with confidence.
Myth 1: “You only need it on hills.”
As we’ve covered, this is the biggest and most damaging myth. Using the parking brake on flat ground protects your transmission from bumps and keeps the brake system in good working order. Regular use is key to its reliability.
Myth 2: “It will wear out if I use it too much.”
This is false. The parking brake is a simple, robust mechanical system designed for frequent use. In fact, the opposite is true: not using it is what causes problems. Cables can rust, corrode, and seize, leaving you without a functioning parking brake when you actually need it in an emergency. Think of it like a muscle—it needs regular exercise to stay strong.
Myth 3: “It’s only for emergencies.”
While it is officially called the “parking brake,” its ability to function without the car’s main hydraulic system makes it a vital backup. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates that all vehicles have a secondary braking system for this very reason. However, its primary design and daily purpose is for safe parking. Calling it an “emergency brake” has unfortunately led many people to believe it should only be used in dire situations, which is incorrect.
What Happens If You Never Use Your Parking Brake?
Choosing not to use your parking brake might not cause an immediate problem, but it sets the stage for future issues. Over months and years, this simple neglect can lead to:
Excessive Wear on the Parking Pawl: Continuously forcing this small metal pin to hold thousands of pounds of vehicle weight will inevitably lead to wear, making it weaker and more prone to failure.
Costly Transmission Repairs: If the parking pawl breaks, it’s not a simple fix. It often requires extensive and expensive transmission work.
Risk of Rolling: A worn or broken pawl, combined with a slight, unnoticed incline, could lead to your car rolling away, causing property damage or injury.
A Seized Parking Brake System: The cables in the parking brake system can rust and freeze in place if they are not used regularly. When this happens, you won’t be able to engage the brake at all, even in an emergency when you might need it most.
Special Situations: What About Winter?
One valid concern some drivers have is whether the parking brake can freeze and get stuck in cold, icy weather. This can happen when moisture gets into the cable housing and freezes, preventing the cable from releasing. While this is a possibility, it is far less common in modern cars than it used to be, thanks to better cable shielding and materials.
If you live in a region with severe winters and have to park outside for long periods in sub-zero temperatures, you might consider not using the parking brake if and only if you are parked on a completely level surface. If you are concerned, you can use wheel chocks—small wedges placed behind the tires—for extra security. However, for the vast majority of drivers and situations, the benefits of using the parking brake far outweigh the very small risk of it freezing.
Your Quick-Reference Checklist
Keep these simple dos and don’ts in mind to build a great habit.
| Do This | Don’t Do This |
|---|---|
| Use your parking brake every time you park, regardless of the incline. | Rely solely on the “Park” gear to hold your car in place. |
| Follow the proper sequence: stop, shift to neutral, engage parking brake, then shift to park. | Forget to fully disengage the parking brake before you start driving. |
| Have your parking brake inspected if it feels too loose or too tight. | Ignore the parking brake warning light on your dashboard. |
| Use it regularly to keep the cables from seizing or rusting. | Yank the hand lever or stomp on the foot pedal aggressively. A firm, steady motion is all you need. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between a parking brake and an emergency brake?
They are the same thing. The official term is “parking brake” because its main function is for parking. However, because it operates independently of your main hydraulic brakes, it can also be used to help stop the car in an emergency, which is why it earned the nickname “emergency brake.”
Can I damage my car by driving with the parking brake on?
Yes. Driving with the parking brake engaged (even partially) creates intense friction and heat. This can quickly wear out your brake pads and rotors, and in severe cases, damage the brake system or cause the wheels to lock up. Most modern cars have a warning light and an audible chime to alert you if you try to drive with it on.
Is it bad to use the electronic parking brake all the time?
Not at all! Electronic parking brakes are designed for constant, everyday use, just like their mechanical counterparts. They are reliable and self-adjusting. You should use your electronic parking brake every time you park.
What does the parking brake light on my dashboard mean?
This light typically serves two purposes. First, it illuminates to let you know that the parking brake is currently engaged. Second, if it stays on after you have fully released the parking brake, it could indicate a problem with your braking system, such as low brake fluid. If the light stays on, you should have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
How do I know if my parking brake needs repair?
Signs that your parking brake needs attention include: a hand lever that pulls up too high with little resistance, a foot pedal that goes to the floor too easily, the car still moving slightly after the brake is engaged, or the brake not releasing properly. Any of these symptoms warrant a professional inspection.
Does the parking brake work on all four wheels?
Typically, no. In most passenger cars, the parking brake system engages the brakes on the two rear wheels only.
Can my parking brake freeze in the winter?
While rare in modern cars, it is possible for moisture in the brake cable to freeze in extremely cold weather, causing it to get stuck. If you are parking on a flat surface in severe winter conditions, you can consider not using it. However, if you are on any kind of slope, the safety provided by the parking brake is more important than the small risk of it freezing.
A Final Word on a Simple Habit
Using the parking brake in your automatic car is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to protect your vehicle. It’s not an old-fashioned feature or something reserved for special occasions; it’s a crucial component designed to take the strain off your transmission and keep your car safely in place.
By making it a habit to engage your parking brake every time you park, you are investing in the long-term health of your car, preventing expensive repairs, and adding a vital layer of safety for yourself and others. It’s a simple, two-second action that pays off for years to come. Now that you know the why and the how, you can park with total confidence, knowing you’re doing it the right way.