Vehicle safety is paramount, and knowing how to take care of your emergency brake handle is a key aspect of ensuring safety for yourself and your passengers. Predictive maintenance solutions can help detect potential issues, but it’s also important to regularly check your emergency brake handle yourself. In this article, we will discuss the potential hazards of neglecting your emergency brake handle, how to maintain it properly, and prevention tips for keeping it in optimal condition.
Potential hazards
Neglecting your emergency brake handle can lead to potential hazards on the road. The emergency brake is a backup system to the primary braking system and can be used in emergency situations, such as when the primary braking system fails. If the emergency brake handle is not maintained properly, it may not function correctly when needed, putting you and your passengers at risk of an accident.
Emergency brake handle maintenance
Maintaining your emergency brake handle is crucial to ensure its proper function in emergency situations. Checking it regularly is a simple task that can prevent potential accidents. Below are the steps to take in order to check your emergency brake handle regularly.
How to check your emergency brake handle
Park on a level surface
The first step is to park your car on a level surface. This is important to ensure accurate readings of the brake system.
Locate your emergency brake handle
You should locate the emergency brake handle, typically located between the driver and passenger seats. If your vehicle has a foot pedal emergency brake, locate the pedal and prepare to test its functionality.
Inspect emergency brake system for wear and damage
Inspect your emergency brake system for any signs of wear and damage. Check the brake cable, brake pads, and brake shoes for any visible damage such as cracks or rust. If any wear or damage is found, make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Test emergency brake system
Finally, test the emergency brake system by pulling up the lever or stepping on the pedal in a controlled environment. Verify that it holds the car steady and doesn't release until released manually.
Consequences of neglecting emergency brake handle
Ignoring the maintenance of your emergency brake handle can have severe consequences. If the emergency brake handle fails, it can lead to loss of control while driving, causing a potential accident. Furthermore, the cost of repairs can be significant if the issue is not detected early on. Therefore, it's important to check the emergency brake handle regularly.
Prevention tips for keeping emergency brake handle in optimal condition
Here are some tips for keeping your emergency brake handle in optimal condition :
Use emergency brake regularly
Using your emergency brake regularly can help keep it in good working condition. Regular use helps keep the cables and mechanisms in working order.
Keep vehicle properly maintained
Proper vehicle maintenance, including regular oil changes and brake inspections, can help prevent potential issues with the emergency brake handle.
Avoid harsh braking and sudden stops
Avoiding harsh braking and sudden stops can reduce the wear on your emergency brake system, helping it last longer.
Store vehicle properly
If storing your car for a long period, make sure to properly engage the emergency brake handle to prevent wear on the primary braking system.