When (& Why) You Should Use Your Parking Brake
December 3, 2020
You may view your parking brake as optional. After all, you're already putting your vehicle in "park," and you don't feel the need to use the "emergency brake." But is there ever a time you should really, really use your parking brake? You might be surprised to learn that it's more often than when you park on a hill. Learn why your parking brake matters and when you should be using it.
When Should I Use My Parking Brake?
While many people believe that parking brakes are only essential when driving a manual or parking on a hill, that's not quite right! To dispel this notion entirely, we'll say it straight - you should be using your parking brake every time you park.
The proper way to do this is to stop your car and engage the parking brake before shifting to park. Then, look for the parking brake light on your dashboard to ensure that it is fully engaged.
By following this process, you can help minimize the stress placed on your transmission's parking pawl by splitting up the work of keeping your car in place between the parking pawl and the parking brake. In other words, using the parking brake properly can help keep your vehicle in place while parked, and help prevent transmission wear.
Why Should I Use My Parking Brake?
Like any automotive part, brake components can fail. When used properly, your parking brake can help protect your transmission's parking pawl and act as a backup if it should break. Also, if your INFINITI is hit while parked, the parking brake can stabilize the vehicle and help prevent it from rolling.
How Does the Parking Brake Work?
The parking brake is part of an overall braking system, though it works independently of your car's hydraulic brakes. The parking brake works with the rear brakes, whether you have disc brakes or drum brakes.
If you have disc brakes, engaging the parking brake will tighten steel cables that effectively pull a piston against your brake pad, generating enough force to keep the car stopped. If your vehicle has rear drum brakes, leveraging the parking brake will pull the brake shoes together, keeping the car stationary.
The parking brake supplements your parking pawl, which locks your transmission when your car is parked. Even if the parking pawl fails, your vehicle's braking system will still be mechanically engaged.
How to Use A Parking Brake?
There are multiple types of parking brakes. Though the "traditional" way to activate your parking brake is by pulling a lever near your center console, your parking brake control may be different. For example, your INFINITI may have a parking brake button instead of a lever in the center console or by the ignition, or it may be a pedal or latch to the left of your brake or clutch pedal.
If you're unsure which parking brake your vehicle features, review your INFINITI owner's manual to learn more! Typically, you will see a parking brake light on your dashboard when yours is engaged.
Can A Parking Brake Fail?
Like any other vehicle component, parking brakes are subject to wear and tear. Depending on the circumstances, a parking brake can weaken, rust, or even snap. Also, infrequently used parking brakes are more susceptible to these types of issues (which is another good reason to engage yours).
Is your parking brake hard to engage? Or, maybe it no longer seems to function like it's supposed to. Find the right brake parts for your INFINITI with INFINITI Parts & Accessories to ensure your parking brake system is operating like it should. If you're concerned about your brakes, we recommend visiting your nearest INFINITI service center for a complimentary brake inspection.