Jeffrey Shaw 90 #1 Posted December 28, 2020 A couple of general questions, as I know that SF has experts on every topic under the sun: 1. Whyever do new cars seem to come without proper handbrakes, i.e. an actual floor-mounted handbrake handle? Hardly any of them seem to feature one. Instead they have titchy little pull controls. 2. AND the actual word 'handbrake' seems to have been discontinued too. Who decided that it's now just a 'parking brake' and why? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
zach 235 #2 Posted December 28, 2020 My last 3 cars have had the electronic ones. Very odd at first but very good once you get used to them. I use mine the same as I would with the handle type. Obviously no sync between the pedals and the handbrake like before. The 2 second hill start took a bit of getting used to after decades of doing things the 'old way' A couple of mistakes but all good after that. I see the older handbrake in small cars that are usually a cheaper make/model. I like my whistles and bells in my car so the old style handbrake hasn't been an option for nearly 8 years (for me). It's not really a 'handbrake' now, just a finger switch. Not sure on the answer to Q2. I still call it a handbrake although it isn't really the same thing. Either way, I like them but probably won't if they ever go wrong. I'd imagine an expensive fix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
jackanne 10 #3 Posted December 28, 2020 I guess it's no longer handbrake because you do not have to use your hand to put it on or take it off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
zaci 12 #4 Posted December 28, 2020 When my car went in for a recall the dealer loaned me a VW Golf with an electronic parking/handbrake. Had to look on YouTube how to use it! Quite simple really! When you come to a halt, applying the foot brake engaged the handbrake, when moving off just accelerate away, the hand brake disengages automatically, only time you need to apply the hand brake manually is when you park up! Don't know if this applies to all cars with a electronic parking brake? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
bassett one 452 #5 Posted December 28, 2020 ive used and driven several cars ,volvo,merc that dont have hand brakes,both automatic as well,i believe its great,makes life simple,the mercedes parked its self,what ever next,get in and tell the vehicle your destination and read a book?,while you travel, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
max 13 #6 Posted December 28, 2020 30 minutes ago, zaci said: When my car went in for a recall the dealer loaned me a VW Golf with an electronic parking/handbrake. Had to look on YouTube how to use it! Quite simple really! When you come to a halt, applying the foot brake engaged the handbrake, when moving off just accelerate away, the hand brake disengages automatically, only time you need to apply the hand brake manually is when you park up! Don't know if this applies to all cars with a electronic parking brake? When you turn the engine off in mine it automatically applies the handbrake. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
rudds1 102 #7 Posted December 28, 2020 These electronic parking brakes are all good until they lock on which I have seen happen. I much prefer conventional handbrake system Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
carosio 186 #8 Posted December 28, 2020 (edited) As said, fine as long as its reliable! Who remembers the foot-operated dip-switch? From Entee's link: "Unfortunately, a lot of today’s electronic park brakes have now been made “idiot-proof,” so you don’t have the option of whether to apply them or not. Once you turn the engine off, even if you haven’t physically pressed the button, the parking brake will be applied automatically. If you don’t want to apply the parking brake it’s tough luck, I’m afraid". So, How do we roll or tow the car with engine off? Edited December 28, 2020 by carosio Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Jim117 72 #9 Posted December 28, 2020 8 minutes ago, carosio said: As said, fine as long as its reliable! Who remembers the foot-operated dip-switch? Me, series Land Rover circa 1966. No power steering, brake servo or heating on the driver’s side! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
carosio 186 #10 Posted December 28, 2020 1 minute ago, Jim117 said: Me, series Land Rover circa 1966. No power steering, brake servo or heating on the driver’s side! Good old fashioned driving! Mine was the Ford 100E with 3-speed box and a similar spec. At least your wiper kept its speed constant when the accelerator was depressed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
The Joker 10 #11 Posted December 28, 2020 53 minutes ago, rudds1 said: These electronic parking brakes are all good until they lock on which I have seen happen. Ha ha! My experience, given the regularity of these Germanese binwagens to be parked on Sheffield's streets and then roll downhill, is that the parking brake fails too often 🤣 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
carosio 186 #12 Posted December 28, 2020 Could that affect insurance premiums? Best to leave car in gear then, don't know about modern automatics. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...