How to unlock the electric handbrake? EPB without secrets

Sitting in a newer car, the absence of a regular parking brake is immediately evident. You can usually see a small button instead of the older one with the "P" logo in a circle. If earlier the hand, almost out of habit, looked for the handle, watching whether it was up or down, now a problem may arise. Then how to unlock the electric handbrake in your car? Check!

What characterizes EPB?

At the very beginning, it is worth clarifying how the EPB mechanism actually works. Electric parking brake). It is activated at the push of a button, eliminating the need for a standard hand lever. Manufacturers of this technology include vendors such as Brose Fahrzeugteile and Robert Bosch GmbH. The most common brake systems installed in passenger cars have been developed by TRW and ATE. 

The most commonly used TRW and ATE systems - what is worth knowing about them?

The technology developed by TRW works in such a way that its work is based on electric motors located on the rear brake calipers. Thanks to the gear, the piston moves, and the pads tighten the disc. In turn, the solution developed by the ATE brand is based on links. The disadvantage of the first option is that it cannot be used in a system with drums located on the rear axle. An alternative to this method is the technology developed by ATE. Thanks to this, the rear axle brakes do not differ from those interacting with the classic version of the lever.

How does a traditional lever work and how does an electric handbrake work?

Let's get to it how to unlock the electric handbrake. It will be useful to explain the system of operation of the traditional lever, which, probably, most drivers have already had to use. In this case, the standard system tightened the cable as the stick was pulled. He squeezed the car's rear brake pads or calipers and then pressed them against the discs or drums. Thanks to this, the machine maintained a stable, safe position. Many vehicles are equipped with a separate brake disc and pads designed for handbrake only.

How does the EPB work?

The electrified version of emergency braking does not require the driver to use physical force to lock the wheels. It is replaced by an electric motor. Just push or pull the button with your finger and the motors that are part of the whole system will press the pads against the discs. Unlocking the handbrake is simple - when the car starts moving, the lock is released automatically.

Could this system be the problem?

One of the biggest disadvantages of the EPB system is the failure rate. Quite often, the terminals freeze at sub-zero temperatures. Drivers of vehicles with this equipment may also experience problems with brush wear. The EPB system may also not work when the battery level is low. In this case, there is no other choice but to call a tow truck. 

Is an electric brake a practical solution?

In the case of EPB technology, there are definitely more pluses than minuses. Noteworthy is the hill hold function. It detects when the car is stopped on a slope, suspends braking - the driver does not need to activate the electric handbrake system - and then automatically unlocks it when pulling away. All this is complemented by the fact that the system blocks not only one rear axle, as is the case with a manual lever, but also all four wheels.

Now you know how to unlock the electric handbrake. EPB is a technology that could completely replace the manual lever in the future. The electric parking brake is easy to use, and cars with it are definitely more comfortable and attractive than those with a standard handbrake.