Many drivers still consider the handbrake to be just an accessory. In fact, this small component plays a big role in maintaining vehicle safety, especially when parking on uphill or downhill roads.

The handbrake or parking brake works mechanically to hold the wheels in place so that the car does not move. In manual cars, it still takes the form of a lever in the middle of the cabin, while modern cars now mostly use an electronic parking brake (EPB) that only requires the push of a button.

Knowing how to use the handbrake correctly is not only a matter of safety, but it can also extend the life of your car's brake and transmission components.

The Main Functions of the Handbrake That Are Often Overlooked

Although it looks simple, the handbrake has several important functions that drivers often forget:

1. Holding the Car in Place When Parking

The most basic but vital function is to keep the vehicle stationary when parking, especially on sloped surfaces.

2. Adding Safety When Stopping for a Long Time

Stuck in heavy traffic or waiting for a red light? Use the handbrake to avoid getting tired from pressing the brake pedal continuously.

3. Helping on Steep Roads

When stopping on a steep incline, the handbrake can hold the car in place so it doesn't roll backward before you press the gas pedal.

By mastering how to use it, you are actually understanding how an important additional braking system works for safety.

The Correct Way to Use the Handbrake When Parking

To keep your car safe and stable while parking, try following these steps:

1. Make Sure the Car is Completely Stopped

Don't pull the handbrake before the car has completely stopped to prevent excessive friction on the brake pads.

2. Activate Slowly and Steadily

Pull the handbrake lever until you feel a strong resistance. If your car has an EPB, simply press the button until the indicator on the dashboard lights up.

3. Set the Gear Position

For manual cars, use 1st gear on inclines and reverse gear on declines. For automatic transmissions, make sure the lever is in the "P" position.

4. Use Wheel Stoppers

When parking on a steep road, add small blocks behind the tires as a precaution.

These small steps can prevent the car from suddenly shifting while parked.

Safe Techniques for Using the Handbrake on an Incline

Inclines can be tricky, but they can be conquered if you know how:

1. Use the Handbrake When Stopping

When stopping on an incline, apply the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling backward.

2. Release Slowly When Stepping on the Gas

For manual cars, release the handbrake while accelerating and releasing the clutch.

3. Use the Hill Start Assist Feature (if available)

This feature can hold the car for a few seconds when you switch from the brake to the gas pedal, which is perfect for those who are still nervous on inclines.

Common Mistakes That Cause Handbrakes to Wear Out Quickly

Many drivers still use handbrakes incorrectly. Here are some things you should avoid:

1. Pulling the Handbrake Before the Car Has Come to a Complete Stop

This can cause the brake pads to wear out quickly.

2. Forgetting to Release the Handbrake While Driving

The result? The brake system overheats and its performance decreases.

3. Rarely Checking the Condition of the Handbrake

The handbrake also needs to be checked regularly so that the cables and mechanisms don't get stuck.

Tips for Maintaining Your Handbrake to Keep It Durable and Efficient

1. Get Regular Service at an Authorized Repair Shop

Regular checkups keep your handbrake system in top condition.

2. Don't Pull Too Hard

Excessive pressure can damage the cable or motor on electric brakes.

3. Use It Only When Necessary

Only activate the handbrake when parking or stopping for a long time, not while the car is moving.

Simple maintenance like this can extend the life of the brake system and give you peace of mind while driving every day.

The Bottom Line: Small Handbrake, Big Impact

Don’t underestimate the function of the handbrake. With proper use and regular maintenance, this system can be a “silent guardian” that ensures your car remains safe in various road conditions.

 

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Jangan Sepelekan Rem Tangan, Ini Fungsi dan Cara Pakainya yang Benar!

Banyak pengemudi yang masih menganggap rem tangan cuma pelengkap. Padahal, komponen kecil ini punya peran besar dalam menjaga keamanan kendaraan, terutama saat parkir di jalan menanjak atau menurun.

Rem tangan atau parking brake bekerja secara mekanis untuk menahan roda supaya mobil nggak bergerak. Pada mobil manual, bentuknya masih berupa tuas di tengah kabin, sedangkan mobil modern kini banyak yang sudah pakai electronic parking brake (EPB) yang cukup ditekan tombolnya saja.

Mengetahui cara pakai rem tangan yang benar bukan cuma soal keamanan, tapi juga bisa memperpanjang umur komponen rem dan transmisi mobil kamu, lho.

Fungsi Utama Rem Tangan yang Sering Dianggap Sepele

Meski terlihat sederhana, rem tangan punya beberapa fungsi penting yang sering dilupakan pengemudi:

1. Menahan Mobil Saat Parkir

Fungsi paling dasar, tapi paling vital, yakni menjaga kendaraan tetap diam saat parkir, terutama di permukaan miring.

2. Menambah Keamanan Saat Berhenti Lama

Lagi macet parah atau nunggu lampu merah? Gunakan rem tangan biar kaki nggak pegal menekan pedal rem terus.

3. Membantu di Jalan Menanjak

Saat berhenti di tanjakan curam, rem tangan bisa menahan mobil agar nggak mundur sebelum kamu injak gas.

Dengan menguasai cara penggunaannya, kamu sebenarnya sedang memahami cara kerja sistem pengereman tambahan yang penting banget buat keselamatan.

Cara Benar Menggunakan Rem Tangan Saat Parkir

Supaya mobil tetap aman dan stabil saat parkir, coba ikuti langkah-langkah ini:

1. Pastikan Mobil Berhenti Total

Jangan tarik rem tangan sebelum mobil benar-benar berhenti untuk mencegah gesekan berlebih pada kampas rem.

2. Aktifkan Perlahan dan Mantap

Tarik tuas rem tangan sampai terasa ada tahanan kuat. Kalau mobil kamu pakai EPB, cukup tekan tombolnya hingga indikator di dashboard menyala.

3. Atur Posisi Gigi

Untuk mobil manual, gunakan gigi 1 di tanjakan dan gigi mundur saat di turunan. Pada transmisi otomatis, pastikan tuas ada di posisi “P”.

4. Gunakan Ganjalan Roda (Wheel Stopper)

Kalau parkir di jalan curam, tambahkan ganjalan kecil di belakang ban buat jaga-jaga.

Langkah-langkah kecil ini bisa mencegah mobil bergeser tiba-tiba saat parkir.

Teknik Aman Gunakan Rem Tangan di Tanjakan

Jalan menanjak memang tricky, tapi bisa ditaklukkan kalau kamu tahu caranya:

1. Gunakan Rem Tangan Saat Berhenti

Saat berhenti di tanjakan, aktifkan rem tangan agar mobil nggak mundur.

2. Lepas Secara Perlahan Saat Injak Gas

Untuk mobil manual, lepas rem tangan bersamaan dengan penambahan gas dan pelepasan kopling.

3. Manfaatkan Fitur Hill Start Assist (Kalau Ada)

Fitur ini bisa menahan mobil beberapa detik saat kamu pindah dari rem ke gas, cocok banget buat yang masih grogi di tanjakan.

Kesalahan Umum yang Bikin Rem Tangan Cepat Rusak

Masih banyak pengemudi yang salah pakai rem tangan. Ini beberapa hal yang harus kamu hindari:

1. Menarik Rem Tangan Saat Mobil Belum Berhenti Total

Bisa bikin kampas rem cepat aus.

2. Lupa Melepas Rem Tangan Saat Jalan

Akibatnya? Sistem rem cepat panas dan performanya turun.

3. Jarang Cek Kondisi Rem Tangan

Rem tangan juga butuh dicek rutin biar kabel dan mekanismenya nggak macet.

Tips Merawat Rem Tangan Biar Awet dan Efisien

1. Servis Rutin di Bengkel Resmi

Pemeriksaan rutin bikin sistem rem tangan tetap prima.

2. Jangan Menarik Terlalu Kuat

Tekanan berlebih bisa merusak kabel atau motor pada rem elektrik.

3. Gunakan Sesuai Kebutuhan

Aktifkan rem tangan hanya saat parkir atau berhenti lama, bukan saat mobil melaju.

Perawatan sederhana seperti ini bisa memperpanjang umur sistem rem dan bikin kamu lebih tenang saat berkendara setiap hari.

Intinya: Rem Tangan Kecil, Tapi Pengaruhnya Besar

Jangan remehkan fungsi rem tangan. Dengan penggunaan yang benar dan perawatan rutin, sistem ini bisa jadi “penjaga diam-diam” yang memastikan mobil kamu tetap aman di berbagai kondisi jalan.