POLL: do you use the handbrake when parked?

[Hammer]

always

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Oh, that would be typical of so many of our thoughtful members here. Somebody is nice enough to lend you their car. You apply the E-brake and the car ends up stuck. Now, you're stranded somewhere, the car has to be towed, and you're going to stick the owner with the bill. No good deed goes unpunished, eh?

Um, so if you park on a 30 degree incline, you're going to let the pressure rest on the transmission? Yea, lets break that instead of a rusty cable that should be in proper working order in the first place.

 

[XZeroII]

Depends on the incline. Auto.

 

[maziwanka]

always. but i drive a manual.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: Ornery
Oh, that would be typical of so many of our thoughtful members here. Somebody is nice enough to lend you their car. You apply the E-brake and the car ends up stuck. Now, you're stranded somewhere, the car has to be towed, and you're going to stick the owner with the bill. No good deed goes unpunished, eh?

Um, so if you park on a 30 degree incline, you're going to let the pressure rest on the transmission? Yea, lets break that instead of a rusty cable that should be in proper working order in the first place.

if you use the parking brake/handbrake all the time ANYWAYS, you don't have to worry about a seized cable, which is what should happen in the first place... and besides, it's only common safety to make sure that the brake is set. everyone I know uses them.

 

[Confused]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Where's the "Both, yes, and anyone who doesn't use it all the time is a moron" option?

- M4H

I swear it must only be Canadians and Brits who know how the fvck to use the parking brake properly

Confused

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: CraigRT

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: Ornery
Oh, that would be typical of so many of our thoughtful members here. Somebody is nice enough to lend you their car. You apply the E-brake and the car ends up stuck. Now, you're stranded somewhere, the car has to be towed, and you're going to stick the owner with the bill. No good deed goes unpunished, eh?

Um, so if you park on a 30 degree incline, you're going to let the pressure rest on the transmission? Yea, lets break that instead of a rusty cable that should be in proper working order in the first place.

if you use the parking brake/handbrake all the time ANYWAYS, you don't have to worry about a seized cable, which is what should happen in the first place... and besides, it's only common safety to make sure that the brake is set. everyone I know uses them.

Exactly. And not even always - if you used it once a week, you wouldn't have to worry about a seized cable. Most owners manuals recommend setting the parking brake on regardless of incline anyway - but hey, what does the manufacturer know?

 

[Ornery]

If you borrow a car from somebody who doesn't use it... ever. And, you set the brake. There's a VERY good chance it will get stuck. Suit yourself, and I feel sorry for the chump who loans you his car.

 

[BornStar]

auto, always. Force of habit. If I drive someone else's car, I notice whether the brake is on when I get in and either set it or don't based on that when I stop.

Conversely, Ornery, what if you drive someone's car where the transmission is just about dead and you don't set the parking brake, even though they always do?

 

[Ornery]

I'd feel obligated to fix anything I was responsible for breaking, and I'd avoid parking on a hill in the first place for this very reason.

 

[Anubis]

only use it when im parked pon a hill, in both manual and auto, never use it otherwise

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: Ornery
If you borrow a car from somebody who doesn't use it... ever. And, you set the brake. There's a VERY good chance it will get stuck. Suit yourself, and I feel sorry for the chump who loans you his car.

I feel sorry for the chump who doesn't use the brake cause it's there for a reason.

 

[Ornery]

Been driving 30 years in various cars with bullet proof, American made trannies for RWD, and have NEVER set the brake yet. NEVER had a problem. These cars were ALL purchased used, and there is no way I'd take the chance of setting those brakes. They'll be OK for an emergency, but I wouldn't count on them releasing after the emergency stop. Nobody I know around here uses theirs, probably because nobody parks on hills. Never seen a cop, chauffeur, cab, or bus driver use one either.

 

[kami333]

Auto, once a week or if I'm on an incline.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Been driving 30 years in various cars with bullet proof, American made trannies for RWD, and have NEVER set the brake yet. NEVER had a problem. These cars were ALL purchased used, and there is no way I'd take the chance of setting those brakes. They'll be OK for an emergency, but I wouldn't count on them releasing after the emergency stop. Nobody I know around here uses theirs, probably because nobody parks on hills. Never seen a cop, chauffeur, cab, or bus driver use one either.

you must live in a very strange place. bus driver not using the brake?

WTF????

 

[Dedpuhl]

manual - always

 

[Doggiedog]

Yes in my stick. No handbrake in my auto (footbrake).

 

[DrPizza]

Uh, "all the pressure on the transmission" ?? Soooooo what?!!!!!!! I suppose, according to some of you, if I parked on a steep incline, not using the parking brake, and left the car there for 10 years, when I came back, the transmission would be ruined or worn out? Give me a break!

I agree that on an incline, you SHOULD use the parking brake before taking your foot off the regular brakes first because: with the pressure on the transmission, it's harder to shift out of park when you're ready to go again.

Oh, and sorry to those who disagree, particularly M4H who suggested cartalk. Well, M4H, I also suggest to go to the car talk site, because I thought I might have missed something. btw, use quotation marks around "parking brake" - it narrows the search down.

Here's one post from cartalk.com:
here

edit: saying the transmission is going to wear out from the stress is like saying the brake pads are also wearing out due to the stress on them while parked. (which would be better, of course, if something were to wear out - brakes are cheaper and easier to replace)

 

[Mark R]

I always put the handbrake on when parked - habit, I guess. But then, I just don't like the way the car sometimes rolls a bit until it runs into the transmission's parking lock.

I also usually put the handbrake on when stopped at lights or in heavy traffic, especially at night. Saves my foot, protects against lurching forward if hit from behind and doesn't dazzle the guy behind.