Got my answer - thx DU!

[OneGrassRoot]

Last edited Sat Dec 14, 2019, 12:20 PM - Edit history (1)

Please help settle a family dispute. We have a slightly steep driveway. Is it a good idea or not to use the parking brake when the vehicle is parked on a slight incline?

One person said it’s hard on the transmission to use the parking brake, while another says that it’s hard on the transmission to not use the parking brake.

What say you?

[SarasotaDem]

1. Set

the parking brake
MB tech 14years

[OneGrassRoot]

4. Thank you! n/t

[Lars39]

2. Husband says it's harder on transmission to *not* use parking break.

Me: moot point if it gets totaled at the bottom of a hill. 😀

[OneGrassRoot]

5. lol. got it! n/t

[NoMoreRepugs]

7. Eggsactly.

[hlthe2b]

8. Your own point was my first thought.

[mr_lebowski]

3. The people saying 'don't set it' don't know WTH they're talking about (nt)

[OneGrassRoot]

9. Thanks! n/t

[getagrip_already]

6. Sheesh....

Here is the best advice.

When parking on a hill, place your car higher up the driveway than the idiot who said to not use a parking brake. Be sure to turn your wheel so your car will hit theirs when it starts to roll.

Then leave the car in neutral without setting the parking brake. That way there wont be any pressure on the transmission or the brake.

[OneGrassRoot]

11. hahaha! thx. n/t

[The Figment]

10. The parking brake

Uses a cable to set the rear brakes, park puts the transmission into a "locking" position...always use the parking brake on any incline as that what It's intended to do...also turn your front wheels in one direction or the other before you pull the keys, this will lock the steering column and front wheels so if the parking brake fails the car won't roll all the way out into the street.

[OneGrassRoot]

12. Thank you! n/t

[OneBlueDotBama]

13. Hard on the Trans...

I would set the brake, with the foot brake on, then shift the trans to park. If the vehicle rolls a touch, then you need the parking brake adjusted. The transmission has a part or feature called a parking pawl, it keeps the trans locked with the trans is placed in park. Costly to replace and will break if the vehicle is nudged without the parking brake engaged.

Just my humble opinion.

[OneGrassRoot]

15. ok thank you. n/t

[rickford66]

14. If the car sits for long periods, don't set.

Parking brakes should be used frequently or never.

[OneGrassRoot]

17. Interesting - thank you. n/t

[magicarpet]

16. It is also good to activate the parking brake to keep,...

... it free from freezing up because it has not been used in a long while. It gives you a chance to see if it needs adjustment or repair to keep it properly functional - in the event it is needed as a last resort to slow/stop the vehicle.

[OneGrassRoot]

18. Good point. Thanks. n/t