When to use the parking brake on a car with an automatic transmission
The parking brake, also known as the handbrake, is an important safety feature that helps keep your vehicle in place when it is not moving. Here’s when to use the parking brake on an automatic transmission vehicle:
* When the car is parked on a slope. The parking brake will prevent the vehicle from rolling forward or backward.
* When the car is parked on a level surface. The parking brake can be used for added safety even on level surfaces.
* When the vehicle is towed. The parking brake will prevent the vehicle’s wheels from spinning while being towed.
* When parked for a long time. When parked for a long period of time, such as overnight, the parking brake will help relieve stress on the transmission and brake system.
How to use the parking brake on a car with an automatic transmission
1. Hold down the brake pedal. This will prevent the car from moving forward or backward when you release the accelerator pedal.
2. Move the gear shift lever to the Park (P) position. This will lock the transmission and prevent the vehicle from moving.
3. Apply force to the parking brake lever and pull it up. Keep the lever in the raised position until you hear a click indicating that the parking brake is engaged.
4. Release the brake pedal completely. The parking brake now holds the car in place.
Notes
* Do not use the parking brake instead of the brake pedal when stopping the vehicle. This can cause the parking brake to wear out and damage the transmission.
* If you park the vehicle on a slope, release the parking brake only after depressing the brake pedal and moving the gear lever to Drive (D) or Reverse (R).
* Do not leave your vehicle parked with the parking brake on for long periods of time in cold weather. This can cause the parking brake pads to freeze and make it difficult to release the parking brake.