How to Use a Hand Brake

Handbrakes--also called emergency brakes--are intended to keep cars from rolling while parked on an incline. Though some people only use the handbrake while parking on hills, many experts say it is best to set your handbrake whenever you are parked, in the event that the "parking pawl" inside your transmission becomes dislodged. Handbrakes are important for cars with manual and automatic transmissions.

Instructions

Setting the Handbrake

1

Put your car in "park" by pulling the lever into the correct position. In most cars, the "park" setting is indicated by a "P." For people driving manual transmissions, it is best to put your car in first gear when parking facing uphill, and in reverse when facing downhill. Position the wheels of your car so that the car will roll toward the curb rather than into traffic if your brakes happen to fail.

2

Keep your foot on the regular brake as you set the brake by pulling up on the handbrake lever in the center console of your car. Keeping your foot on the regular brake while setting the handbrake reduces the strain placed on your parking pawl.

3

Turn off your car's engine and remove the keys from the ignition.

Disengaging the Handbrake

4

Turn your car on and put your car into drive. Keep your foot on your regular brake.

5

Push the handbrake lever down.

6

Take your foot off the brake. Now you're ready to drive.