parking-brake

In road vehicles, the parking brake, also known as a handbrake is a mechanism used to keep the vehicle securely motionless when parked. Although it is also called the emergency brake (e-brake), that is an incorrect term as it will not stop a car in an emergency. The mechanical leverage, the size of the brake shoes inside the rotor "hat" on many vehicles with rear disc brakes, are insufficient to effectively stop the vehicle. Parking brakes often consist of a pulling mechanism attached to a cable which is connected to two wheel brakes. In most vehicles, the parking brake operates only on the rear wheels, which have reduced traction while braking. The mechanism may be a hand-operated lever, a straight pull handle located near the steering column, or a foot-operated pedal located with the other pedals.

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