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Handbrake Use.


Handbrake Use

Although every learner driver is taught to use the handbrake for an uphill start, many later appear to forget its existence. When starting at traffic lights, on a hill, it is a familiar sight to see each car in turn roll back before moving forward. Some simply use the friction of the clutch (slipping the clutch) as a brake, while others move the right foot from the foot-brake to the accelerator hoping that the vehicle will not roll back excessively. Both methods are harmful to the vehicle, give bad passenger comfort and point to a lazy and untidy driver. To the driver behind, it is both irritating and ill-mannered.

Assessment will focus on the method of use and where you apply the handbrake, this should occur whenever the vehicle is to remain stationary for any length of time, even on a level road. This will allow brief but complete relaxation which will be beneficial for subsequent concentration. If the vehicle should be struck from the rear it will also reduce the possibility of spinal injuries, and lessen the chances of the vehicle being thrust against a vehicle ahead, or possibly on to a pedestrian.

Application of the handbrake should be made with the ratchet button depressed, or the lever twisted, to avoid wear on the ratchet pawl and teeth, which eventually leads to handbrake failure. Harsh and unpleasant noise is also avoided. The foot-brake should be applied before applying the handbrake. This will set the brake shoes or pads in the "on" position and will make for stronger braking and will minimise stretching the handbrake cable.

There is an unfortunate tendency to regard the handbrake as merely an optional parking brake. Avoid simply leaving the vehicle in gear, or, if the vehicle is an automatic, only selecting "P", in other words, ignoring the handbrake almost completely.

In the case of an emergency such as foot-brake failure, which can happen even to modern dual circuit systems, the driver may be slow to reach the handbrake, though sheer lack of practice, and may also find it completely out of adjustment, or even defunct.