COMÉRCIO&INDUSTRIA - TRAVÕES DE MÃO

Sexta, 14 Janeiro 2022 20:41 | Actualizado em Terça, 23 Abril 2024 20:04

Top tips to prevent handbrake failure

Motorists are being warned about the dangers of a loose or faulty handbrake and are being offered advice on what to do when parking on a hill.

The car leasing experts at LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have highlighted the risks associated with a faulty handbrake and offered their advice on how to avoid an accident on a hill.

Handbrake failure can not only be extremely frustrating but it can also be a danger to other cars and pedestrians too.

Several things signify a handbrake that has stopped working, these can include: engaging the handbrake whilst the vehicle is moving, slower acceleration, and parking warning lights.

Remembering a few key steps when parking on hills especially can help ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. 

A spokesperson for LeaseElectricCar.co.uk said: “It’s important that drivers can spot the signs of deterioration on their handbrake.

“We’re urging motorists to check and test their handbrake frequently. The cable can start to seize up when a vehicle isn’t being used and there is an increased risk of rust and corrosion during the winter months.

“Utilising gears when parking can act as a failsafe if the car does decide to move – use a forward gear and turn the steering wheel away from the kerb when parking uphill and do the opposite when facing downhill.”

“We’ve put together a comprehensive list of tips for parking a vehicle on a hill to avoid any potential unwanted incidents.”

Direction of car: When on a hill it’s advisable to park facing towards the direction of the traffic flow – unless you’re in a recognised parking space. This is so that other drivers can identify that the car is stationary.

Parking lights: When parking at nighttime, turning on your parking lights (or sidelights) makes the car visible to other motorists from a distance. This is best when parked on a road with a speed limit greater than 30mph or in foggy conditions. Remember to always check your surroundings for any oncoming traffic when exiting any vehicle after parking by the roadside.    

Gear Safety: If your vehicle is a manual transmission, leave the gear in first. This will keep the engine engaged and prevent the vehicle from rolling. If the car is automatic then put the car in the park setting. When the car is facing downhill, place it in the reverse gear before applying the handbrake.   

Parking facing downhill: Ensure the front wheels are facing towards the kerb and place the car in the reverse gear. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the breaks become disengaged avoiding the highway.   

Parking facing uphill with a kerb: If you’re parked uphill, turn the wheels to the right towards the road. If the parking breaks fail and the car rolls backwards, the front tyre will hit the kerb and stop the vehicle from rolling backwards further.  

Parking facing uphill without a kerb: When parked facing uphill and there is no kerb, turn the wheels to the left. If the parking breaks fail, the vehicle will roll out the way of the road and oncoming traffic.  

Parking on the righthand side: If parking uphill or downhill, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to that parked on the left, ensure the handbrake is on and put the car in the right gear before leaving the vehicle.