Electric parking brake

cyclonebri1

garethgas wrote: »

I don't like this kind of 'improvement' to a car. With a conventional handbrake, you can feel the weight of the car being taken up by the engine as you move off on a hill. With the electronic version you can't.
Its just another solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Driving skills are being diluted by the introduction of such gadgets.

I think that the nub of the problem, who the hell asked for an electronic handbrake??
With the exception of a 1 armed bloke, (no offence) I can't think why anyone would need it.
And thinking about it if it can't be applied when moving forwards, then, should the brakes fail they have removed the final safety lifeline of being able to stop the car on the hand brake.

Progress?,

chrisw

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

And thinking about it if it can't be applied when moving forwards, then, should the brakes fail they have removed the final safety lifeline of being able to stop the car on the hand brake.

It can on the Passat by pressing in and holding the button. I would be surprised if the others didn't work the same way.

garethgas

Kilty wrote: »

Yes you can, or you could in my Laguna. Hill starts were never a problem.

I'm not sure I explained properly.
You may well feel the effect it has on the car but you have no control over its operation (other than on/off) and therefore there is no mechanical connection between you and the brakes or as I put it 'feel' to what your actually doing.
Having said that, I've only ever driven one car with this fitted and whilst it felt a bit weird, it worked ok.
Regards

cyclonebri1

chrisw wrote: »

It can on the Passat by pressing in and holding the button. I would be surprised if the others didn't work the same way.

Hmmm, even so it's not a natural reaction to press a button for an emergency stop and I like the fact that I think I could just about pull the handbrake lever to the roof is I thought it could slow me better, can't push the button harder ;)

chrisw

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Hmmm, even so it's not a natural reaction to press a button for an emergency stop and I like the fact that I think I could just about pull the handbrake lever to the roof is I thought it could slow me better, can't push the button harder ;)

The button is probably actually be safer as it brakes in conjunction with the ABS. Try pulling a handbrake on at speed and see where you end up. (Most likely hospital so don't actually try it!)

cyclonebri1

chrisw wrote: »

The button is probably actually be safer as it brakes in conjunction with the ABS. Try pulling a handbrake on at speed and see where you end up. (Most likely hospital so don't actually try it!)

You weren't brought up on the same estate as me then, obviousley.:D

But seriously I've never found a car with a properly maintained braking system that will lock the wheels on handbrake at speed.

And to be honest if the fronts weren't working I'd dam well want the rears locked,

garethgas

chrisw wrote: »

The button is probably actually be safer as it brakes in conjunction with the ABS. Try pulling a handbrake on at speed and see where you end up. (Most likely hospital so don't actually try it!)

So how do you think people have managed all these years? If i pulled the handbrake up (at any speed) I'd use my judgement as to how much pressure to apply and stop the car, albeit in a much increased distance.
You don't just yank it on full till it locks ya know!

System

I agree with chrisw. The electronic parking brake is potentially safer than the old manual handbrake lever because it is linked to the ABS so prevents skidding with locked wheels.

With dual circuit braking systems and warning lights and driver information systems, the chances of needing to use the handbrake because of a total main brake system failure are as near to impossible as makes no difference (in my opinion).

Plus there are many advantages to an electronic parking brake, including: (On the Audi range that I am familiar with)

• Automatic hill starts
• Automatic application and disengagement of parking brake
• Better appearance of centre console with no handbrake lever

But, at the end of the day if you do not like them, or you are simply a technophobe, then buy a different model of car, simple.

gasmanmartin

to comment on the OP, i received my brand new Astra last Thursday expecting an electronic parking brake and was amazed to find a bog standard pull lever.

Apparently because of the Japan disaster Vauxhall are suffering a shortage of components and most new cars are having the standard hand brake fitted (and also 1 less 12v socket in the car - only get 1 in the front now)

chrisw

garethgas wrote: »

You don't just yank it on full till it locks ya know!

I think I would if my brakes failed.

There are pros and cons of both really. Once I got used to it in my Passat I found it easy and convenient and never gave it a second thought, but replacing the rear pads meant a trip to the garage.

My current car has a standard handbrake and although it's less 'convenient', it's hardly a chore as I use it without thinking. Although, initially there were a couple of occasions when I wondered why the car didn't pull too well and realised I had to release the handbrake by hand.:eek:

Reminds me of the indicator stalk on the left/right of the steering wheel days.