Which is more dangerous: an electric parking brake or the usual "handbrake"

There are different types of parking brake systems used on cars today. There is both a classic “handbrake” and a modern electric parking brake, which is a rather complex design. What is better to choose, the AvtoVzglyad portal understood.

Automakers are increasingly replacing the familiar "handbrake" with an electric parking brake. They can be understood, because the latter has a number of advantages. For example, instead of the usual “poker”, which takes up a lot of space in the cabin, the driver has only a small button at his disposal. This allows you to save space and place next to, say, an additional box for small things. But in practice, for motorists, such a solution does not always promise great benefits.

Let's start with the classic parking brake. Its advantage is the simplicity of the design. But the “handbrake” also has disadvantages, and they are essential for a novice or forgetful driver. For example, in winter, the parking brake pads freeze, and an attempt to rip them off will cause the cable to pull out. Or the pads themselves will be wedged. This will cause the wheel of the car to stop spinning. You'll have to either disassemble the mechanism or call a tow truck.

As for the electric parking brake, there are two types. The so-called electromechanical is similar to the classic solution. To turn it on, they also use a cable that clamps the brake pads on the rear wheels. The only difference from the usual scheme is that a button is installed in the cabin instead of a “poker”. By pressing it, the electronics gives a signal and the mechanism tightens the handbrake cable. The cons are the same. In winter, the pads freeze, and the maintenance of the electromechanical brake is more expensive.

The second solution is much more difficult. It's an all-electric system, with four brakes powered by small electric motors. The design provides for a worm gear (threaded axle), which presses on the block. The force is great and can keep the car on steep slopes without any problem.

Such a decision made it possible to introduce an automatic hold system on cars, which itself activates the “handbrake” after the car stops. This frees the driver from having to keep their foot on the brake pedal during short stops at intersections or traffic lights.

But the disadvantages of such a system are serious. For example, if the battery is dead, you cannot remove the car from the electric handbrake. You will need to manually release the brakes, which is described in the instruction manual. Yes, and it is necessary to maintain such a system regularly, because road reagents and dirt do not add durability to mechanisms. Needless to say, repairing an electric brake will cost a pretty penny.

What to choose?

For experienced drivers, we would recommend a car with a classic lever. It allows you to easily do many contra-emergency tricks on the go and thereby avoid dangerous situations. The electric “handbrake” is bad because some manufacturers place its button to the left of the driver, and if he has lost consciousness, it is impossible for the passenger to reach it. However, in defense of the system, we say that it is easy to urgently stop the car with an electric handbrake. Long enough to keep the button pressed. Braking feels like a gentle deceleration with the brake pedal.