Parking brake

The parking brake, also called a handbrake, is a braking system used to prevent the car from rolling when it is parked. On older cars, only the rear wheels are braked via a cable. Newer cars have an electric handbrake that engages all wheels. A warning light comes on when the parking brake is applied. To be extra sure that the car will not start rolling when parked, you can apply the parking brake in addition to applying the parking brake, but also put in first or reverse gear on a manual car. On an automatic car, the car locks in place when you take the gear lever to park, but use the handbrake also to be extra safe.

The handbrake also feels good to be used so it doesn't start to jam. Keep in mind that there is a risk that the parking brake will freeze in freezing temperatures and more humid weather. Therefore, check at regular intervals that the parking brake is working by tightening it and then trying to drive away.