Originally published at: https://www.pakwheels.com/blog/epb-electronic-parking-brake-need-know/
Auto manufacturers strive to make driving an easier task for the customers. Many auto manufacturers are introducing electronic parking brakes, which are less labor-intensive compared to lever-operated ones. Many customers do not know how an electronic parking brake works and what are there benefits and drawbacks. The electronic parking brake is an advance version of the parking brake. Currently, locally-manufactured cars like Honda Civic has an electronic parking brake. Auto manufacturers have begun to provide this feature in entry-level vehicles as well. When an electronic parking brake engages, motors on each brake caliper press the pads into the disc to stop the car from moving.
How does an electronic parking brake work?
In order to engage the electronic parking brake, put your right foot on the brake and lift the small button labeled “P” in the center console. Once engaged, you will also see a sign signaling that in the instruments cluster for the driver. In order to disengage the electronic parking brake, put your right foot on the brake again and push the small button labeled “P” in the center console. The way the electronic parking brake functions differs in different cars. In some cars, it is an automatic process where you engage the parking brake just like mentioned above. Once you put your car in drive mode from the parking mode, the electronic brake will automatically disengage. The opposite happens when you subsequently put your car back in parking mode. Brake hold function with EPB
The brake hold function is usually given with the electronic parking brake. This function complements the functionality of the electronic parking brake. There is a button in the center console that can be used to activate the brake hold function. Once activated, you do not have to put your foot on the brake while the car is in the drive mode in order to stop it from moving. Moreover, when you accelerate your car, the brake hold function will automatically disengage. Once the car stops, the brake hold will engage itself again. In order to deactivate this function, put your right foot on the brake and put the car in neutral. Now press the brake hold button, and this function will deactivate itself. Some high-end cars also have a hill-hold function that also complements the electronic parking brake feature when your car is on an inclined slope. sWhat is EPB? | PakWheels Tips
Cars in which the brake hold function exists, it automatically disengages when you start the car if it had been activated before. A safety feature that comes with the brake hold function is that if it is activated and you disengage seat belt, the brake hold function deactivates, and the car automatically turns on the parking brake. Conditions under which this safety feature will not get activated include the shift lever being in the park or reverse mode, any door remained open, or you did have your seatbelt on when you engaged the brake hold function. Usually, if the brake hold function remains active for 3 minutes without any interruption, it will automatically get disengaged. It also gets deactivated if you turn your car off. Are electronic parking brakes worth it?
Compared to the regular cable-operated brakes, electronic parking brakes hold more firmly. There is no physical cable present in an electronic parking brake system; therefore, the system is more effective. The electronic parking brakes declutter the interior and free up space in the center console for other things. This free space can be used for cup holders, storage space, and buttons for other features. However, if you are a driving enthusiast and want to do a handbrake turn, you cannot do that with an electronic parking brake. Since the electronic parking brake is a complex one compared to a traditional hand brake, it costs more to replace or repair in the long run. You will also need high tech equipment to open the system for maintenance.
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