A hand brake uses a mechanical cable system to clamp the rear brake pads or shoes, bypassing the primary hydraulic braking system. Its primary function is to secure the vehicle when parked. In performance driving or emergencies, drivers can pull the lever to intentionally lock the rear wheels and induce a slide.
Heard on the job
Make sure you pull the hand brake tight before you put the car up on the ramps.
Also heard as
- parking brake
- emergency brake
- e-brake
Related terms
Brake shoe
A curved metal block carrying the friction lining inside a drum brake assembly.
Caliper
The hydraulic clamp in a disc brake system that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor.
Handbrake turn
A driving maneuver that uses the parking brake to lock the rear wheels and rapidly rotate the vehicle.