How To Use The Emergency Brake - Jiffy Lube

New and experienced drivers alike are often confused about when and how to use the emergency brake. No wonder, because the name is misleading! This feature is not really designed or intended to be used in emergencies at all. It’s designed to hold your car securely in place any time you put it in park and leave it in one spot for a long time. 

THAT’S WHY THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE SHOULD BE REFERRED TO AS THE PARKING BRAKE

It’s not just for extreme circumstances, like parking on an incline or a slippery driveway. Even if you’re leaving your car in a flat parking lot on a dry, sunny day, you should engage your parking brake. It gives your car extra stability and will help keep it from rolling if something unexpected happens. When the parking brake is engaged, friction components of your car’s service brake system will help keep your tires from spinning.

OK, now that you know what your parking brake is, you may well be asking …

WHERE IS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE?

It’s typically either a handle, pedal or button labeled “Parking Brake.” If you’re unsure, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for the exact placement. No owner’s manual? No problem! A trained Jiffy Lube® technician will be happy to show you where to find and how to use the parking brake.

HOW TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE

Use these four steps while the engine is still running:

1. Press down completely on the brake pedal
2. Pull the lever, step on the pedal, or press the parking brake button (consult your owner’s manual for the specifics for your car)
3. Shift your automatic transmission into “Park” or put your manual transmission in gear
4. Release the brake pedal

BE SURE TO FULLY RELEASE YOUR PARKING BRAKE BEFORE YOU START UP AGAIN 

Driving with your parking brake on can lead to:

• Brakes overheating
• Loss of fuel economy
• Brake damage

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN USING YOUR PARKING BRAKE CORRECTLY, YOUR BRAKES OR TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE SUSTAINED ADDITIONAL WEAR 

If you notice that your car rolls forward or backward more than a few inches when you put it in park, there’s a chance that your parking pawl or transmission gear are worn down. Additionally, here are a few other signs that your brakes may need attention:

• Vehicle pulling to one side during braking
• Pulsating brake pedal or steering wheel shakes while braking
• Brake pedal feels soft or weak
• Unusual noises when you press the pedal
• Brake fluid leaks, or repeated need for additional brake fluid
• Unusual odor or smoke caused by friction