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How do you use a car handbrake?

I’ve never really used my handbrake, but I’ve been parking on a lot of hills recently. My normal parking gear doesn’t feel secure. How should I be using my handbrake?

avatar
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Handbrakes are one of those car components that seem a little excessive until you really need them. Luckily, you can use most standard handbrakes quite easily!
To use a handbrake:
  • Come to a complete stop
  • Locate the handbrake
  • Depress the button on top of the lever
  • Pull it straight up until you feel resistance
While a lever handbrake is most common, you may have a car with an emergency brake pedal. In that case, you’ll need to come to a complete stop and push down on the brake pedal on your left side. When you push it down, it should stay in the lowered position until you press it a second time.
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