prosgal73

so wondering if I should get it the habit of setting my parking brake? Never really bothered on my old cars but now I park on a very slight incline do you think it matters?

Lexusguy2k

I normally use it when I park at incline

mspearl95

this is when i use it as well. mostly to keep the load off the transmission.

bc6152

When parked on a hill without the parking brake being set, it seems that releasing the shift lever from "park" is stressful and it makes a noise. So I always set the brake on a hill - incline or decline... Other times just lock it in "park".

azipod

I grew up living in a city with hilly terrain so we were always taught to set the parking brakes. In fact, because of the steep hills, we have to set the brakes HARD.... and not just simply step/pull on the lever.

In California, you have to use the parking brake everywhere, even on flat terrain. If you do not, you can get ticketed. California Vehicle Code 22515.

Brent1944

That would never be inforced.. Noone would know..Cops included if it was set or not.... I do set it on inclines only...

tc1728

I never set it

Brent1944

tActually if there is a curb... and whether on a acending or decending hill....if you turn yr wheels like yr suppose to and let yr wheel rest against the curb.....no brake is needed..

azipod

Curbing the wheels on a hill is a last resort to prevent a runaway vehicle. This practice is not meant to replace the use of the parking brake.

I cringe when I think about how much stress you are putting on that one corner of your vehicle suspension by allowing it to rest its full weight on that curbed wheel. Ouch! That's like someone sleeping with one hand twisted behind their back for the entire night!

gmanusmc

I'm surprised that, other than bc6152, nobody has mentioned the unnecessary stress placed on the transmission if the parking brake is not used. It's just a habit for me - just takes an extra second or two to set the thing.

azipod

That's because most people live in the flat lands.... or they are just plain lazy!

In California, the LAW makes it mandatory to use the parking brake. Whether anyone would ever find out or if you would actually get cited is besides the point. It's in the law and there's a reason why its there.

When you screw up, PEOPLE DIE! There have been many cases where runaway vehicles end up crashing into occupied dwellings where people are killed. It's more serious than most people can imagine. If that ever happens, you will get cited but that's probably the last thing you'll be worrying about at that point!

jollick

I always set my parking brake.

azipod

Thanks. That's one less oblivious driver out there. Believe me, there's plenty here in CA.

gmanusmc

This might shed some more light on the subject.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article...-parking-brake

SW17LS

You should ALWAYS use your parking brake. Contrary to common belief the transmission is not designed to hold the car on its own, its designed to hold the car in concert with the parking brake. Even on flat ground, if your car were to be bumped or hit, it could easily pop off the parking pawl and roll.

http://www.driversedguru.com/driving...parking-brake/

Luckily for all of us more and more vehicles have electronic parking brakes that apply the parking brake every time you park whether the driver knows it or not. My LS does this, as did my GS.