To press or not to press... handbrakes?

mouthscradle

We've recently bought a 2004 Ford Focus. When we were learning to drive we were both taught from day one, that when putting on the handbrake it was better for the car to press the button in and then lift. However in the Ford manual for the Focus it says "Do not press". Just wondered whether it's actually a myth that you need to press the button in to prolong the brake?

MarkyMarkD

It's nothing to do with prolonging the life of the brakes.

The reason you were taught to hold in the button was to preserve the life of the ratchet mechanism within the handbrake handle - which could, theoretically, wear out over time leaving the handbrake more liable to slipping off.

I'm not sure why the Focus manual tells you not to press - it could be that it's impossible to tighten to the maximum point if you are holding the button in, but I don't see why you can't hold the button up until the final point and then release it for the final pull.

Stephen_Leak

I was taught the same.

Apparently, a police force had a spate of their cars rolling away as their handbrakes weren't applied fully because of this. As a result, the advice has been changed.

jonathon

i allways press thats the way i was taught.and it does sound better.