Distinguishing 2 Types of Handbrake Cars Popular Today

Car handbrake (parking brake or emergency brake) is an auxiliary braking system used to keep a vehicle stationary when parked or in emergency situations.

In today's automotive world, the two most common types of handbrakes are the traditional mechanical handbrake (Mechanical Parking Brake) and the electronic handbrake (EPB) that exist side by side, each with its own advantages and characteristics. From a technical perspective, the handbrake is not simply a lever or a button, but a complex system consisting of actuators, control units and intelligent sensors, ensuring that the vehicle is kept safely stationary in all terrain conditions.

According to safety analysis data, vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake system show a 37% reduction in parking-related incidents compared to vehicles with a traditional handbrake, mainly due to the automatic connectivity features and integration with other safety systems.” (European Vehicle Safety Institute, 2022, “Comparative Safety Analysis of Modern Braking Systems”, Belgium).

This article will take readers deep into the development history, detailed structure, operating principles, as well as analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each type of handbrake, helping you have a comprehensive view and choose the most suitable solution for your needs.

History of development of car handbrake

Car handbrakes have been developed through three main stages: simple mechanical handbrakes, improved mechanical handbrakes and electronic handbrakes (EPB).

• Early stages: Simple mechanical handbrake

Mechanical handbrakes have been around since the early years of the automobile industry. In 1902, a new braking system was tested in New York, consisting of a flexible stainless steel band wrapped around a drum on the rear axle. This mechanism set the stage for the development of mechanical handbrakes in the following years.

• Development Stage: The birth of the improved mechanical handbrake

By 1904, most cars were equipped with external brakes on each wheel. However, these brakes quickly showed their shortcomings, such as wearing out quickly and being ineffective when parking on slopes. This led to the introduction of the internal handbrake, which increased its lifespan to 1000 miles and significantly improved braking performance.

• Modern Stage: The emergence of the electronic handbrake (EPB)

In recent years, the electronic parking brake (EPB) has become popular in many car models. EPB uses an electric motor to operate, bringing many advantages such as compact design, automatic features and the ability to integrate with other safety systems on the car.

What is a mechanical handbrake?

The handbrake is an auxiliary braking system on a car that operates independently of the main braking system. The main function of the handbrake is to keep the car stationary when parked, especially on steep terrain.

The mechanical handbrake consists of the following main components:

• Handbrake required.
• Brake cable.
• Brake shoes or brake pads.
• Brake drum or brake disc.
• Springs and adjusting parts.

1. Operating principle of mechanical handbrake

When the driver pulls the handbrake lever, force is transmitted through the cable to the brake shoes or pads. The brake shoes press against the brake drum (or the pads press against the brake disc), creating friction and holding the vehicle still. To release the brake, the driver simply pushes the brake lever back to its original position.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical handbrake

Mechanical handbrakes have advantages such as simplicity, ease of use, low repair costs... however, there are still disadvantages such as: needing a lot of cabin space, uneven braking force and being easily damaged.

Advantage:

• Simple, easy to use and maintain.
• Low production and repair costs.
• Operates independently of the vehicle's electrical system.

Disadvantages:

• Need more space in the cabin.
• Braking force may be uneven.
• Easily damaged by environmental impact.

3. Variations of mechanical handbrake

Mechanical handbrakes come in two main forms:

• Handbrake lever: Common on passenger cars and some commercial vehicles.
• Pull-bar handbrake: Commonly used on some commercial vehicles.

What is electronic parking brake (EPB)?

The electronic parking brake uses an electric motor and gears to act on the brake pads. When the driver activates the EPB, a signal is sent to the controller, which then controls the electric motor to generate braking force. This system is integrated with the vehicle's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to ensure precise and safe operation.

Modern features of EPB:

• Automatically activates when power is off
• Automatically release when vehicle starts and moves
• Hill Start Assist
• Integrated with electronic stability program (ESP)

1. Popular types of EPB today

3 types of EPB commonly found on modern cars:

• EPB integrated on gear lever
• EPB separate push button
• EPB combined with Auto Hold function

2. Benefits of EPB handbrake

The 4 main benefits of EPB handbrake include:

• Compact, space-saving design
• Automatic features increase safety
• Integrated with many driving support features
• No need for periodic adjustment like mechanical handbrake

Comparison table of mechanical handbrake & electronic handbrake

Detailed comparison table of mechanical handbrake & electronic handbrake based on the following 7 criteria:

What are common errors and how to fix them with the handbrake?

Worn brake cables/pads, stuck brake levers are common faults in mechanical handbrakes. For electronic handbrakes, common faults include: ECU fault, electric motor fault and sensor fault.

Common errors in mechanical handbrake:

• Worn or broken cable: Reduced braking efficiency, cable needs to be replaced.
• Worn brake pads: Reduced braking force, brake pads need to be replaced.
• Brake lever stuck: Due to rust or dirt, needs cleaning and lubrication.
• Solution: Check and replace damaged parts, adjust cable tension.

Common errors in EPB:

• ECU error: EPB system is not working, need to check and repair ECU.
• Electric motor fault: Electric motor is damaged and needs to be replaced.
• Sensor error: Sensor is damaged, needs to be replaced.

Solution: Use specialized diagnostic equipment to identify the fault, update the software or replace the damaged component.

Regular maintenance of handbrake

• Regular Check: The handbrake should be checked regularly, about every 6 months, to ensure proper operation.
• Cleaning and lubrication: Clean and lubricate the mechanical parts of the handbrake, check and replace the brake fluid periodically.
• Electronic system check: With EPB, it is necessary to periodically check the electronic system and sensors with specialized equipment.

Which handbrake should you choose to suit your needs?

Choosing the right handbrake depends on the type of vehicle, usage needs and personal preferences as well as the development trends of car handbrakes.

1. Factors affecting the choice decision

4 factors influence the choice such as vehicle type, usage needs, budget and priority on convenience.

• Vehicle type: Regular cars often use mechanical handbrakes, luxury cars or cars with many safety features often use EPB.
• Usage: If you often travel in crowded urban areas, EPB with Auto Hold feature will be very convenient.
• Budget: Mechanical handbrakes have lower maintenance costs than EPBs.
• Convenience priority: The electronic handbrake offers greater convenience, especially when parking on slopes.

2. Development trends of car handbrakes

The development trend of car handbrakes is changing significantly, focusing on convenience, safety and technology integration. Here are some of the main trends:

• EPB is increasingly popular: EPB is gradually replacing mechanical handbrakes on many car models, especially new cars.
• Integrated safety features: EPB systems are increasingly incorporating advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking.
• Connected to smart systems: Future handbrake systems could connect to the vehicle's smart systems, automatically activating the brakes in dangerous situations.

3. Changes in handbrake regulations

Currently, handbrake regulations focus primarily on ensuring that the braking system operates effectively.
In the future, there may be further regulations regarding the integration of EPB safety features into new vehicle models.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use the handbrake to brake a car while traveling at high speed?

Do not use the handbrake when the vehicle is moving at high speed as it may cause loss of control and an accident. The handbrake is primarily designed to hold the vehicle stationary when parked.

2. How to know if the handbrake is having problems?

Some signs that your handbrake is having problems include: brake warning light on on the dashboard, the car slides when parked on a slope, the handbrake lever is loose or too hard, unusual noise when pulling/releasing the handbrake7.

3. Can the electronic handbrake work when the car battery is dead?

In case of battery discharge, EPB usually has a mechanism to release the emergency brake manually. However, the method may vary depending on the vehicle model, so please refer to the owner's manual.

4. What factors affect the life of a car handbrake?

The life of the handbrake depends on many factors such as: frequency of use, environmental conditions, quality of components, maintenance and driver habits.

5. Which address has professional car handbrake inspection/repair in Ho Chi Minh City?

Thanh Phong Auto proud to be one of the leading auto repair and maintenance centers in Ho Chi Minh City, especially famous for its professional and comprehensive handbrake repair service. With a team of experienced, well-trained technicians and modern equipment, Thanh Phong Auto is committed to bringing customers absolute peace of mind when using our services.

Highlights of handbrake repair service at Thanh Phong Auto:

Extensive expertise:

• Our team of technicians have in-depth knowledge of both traditional mechanical handbrakes and systems Electronic handbrake (EPB) advanced.
• We understand the structure, operating principles and common problems of each type of handbrake, thereby providing the most optimal repair solution.

Modern equipment:

• Thanh Phong Auto invests in modern diagnostic and repair equipment, helping to accurately determine the cause of the problem and perform repairs quickly and efficiently.
• Use specialized tools to ensure absolute precision and safety for your vehicle's braking system.

Genuine spare parts:

• Committed to using genuine spare parts, ensuring quality and durability for the vehicle's braking system.
• Using genuine spare parts helps ensure optimum braking performance and prolongs the life of the system.

Professional process:

• The handbrake repair process at Thanh Phong Auto is carried out methodically and professionally, from inspection, diagnosis to repair and final inspection.
• Always comply with technical standards and safety regulations, ensuring peace of mind for customers.

Dedicated customer service:

• Always put customer satisfaction first, provide dedicated consulting and support services.
• Our staff is always ready to listen and answer all customer questions, helping customers understand the vehicle's condition and repair process.

Thanh Phong Auto understands that brake system is one of the most important safety factors of a vehicle. Therefore, we always try our best to bring customers high-quality handbrake repair services, ensuring absolute safety and peace of mind when participating in traffic.