Handbrake on or off.

Zandoni

Hi all
I have an automatic Mini Cooper D and actually put it in my level garage as it’s only used a couple of times a week.
If you done the same would you put the handbrake on or leave it off, it’s the manual lever type. I’ve started to leave it off as I figure less chance of sticking on and it will avoid stretching the cable.
Thanks.

[Deleted User]

The risk averse and safety based answer is use the handbrake. Minimal chance of it sticking when used a couple of times a week - it would be more likely on a car stored for months.

As for cable stretch, happens anyway even on a regularly used car, my car is used for 2 hours a day so the handbrake is on for 154 out of 168 hours a week anyway.

Also if you get out of the habit of putting the handbrake on, you may forget when you really need it. If the car rolls when you are in the garage you could end up trapped or damage the car.

I note you have an auto and with traditional auto boxes the park mode acts as a backup brake by locking the transmission and therefore the front wheels of your Mini, but it isn't to be relied on and puts strain on the gearbox if used to retain the car on a slope - brakes are cheaper to fix than a gearbox so personally I've never relied on it when I've used auto boxes.

The_Fat_Controller

If the garage floor is completely level leaving it in PARK with the handbrake off is absolutely fine and a good idea.

If the brakes are hot or very wet sticking issues can occur.

It is what I have done with all my automatics for the last 32 years.

With my current manual I never use the handbrake in the garage, I just leave the car in gear.

Do, however, use it when parking elsewhere and make sure it engages and releases correctly, do a roll test when safe to do so.

Zandoni

[Deleted User] said:

The risk averse and safety based answer is use the handbrake. Minimal chance of it sticking when used a couple of times a week - it would be more likely on a car stored for months.

As for cable stretch, happens anyway even on a regularly used car, my car is used for 2 hours a day so the handbrake is on for 154 out of 168 hours a week anyway.

Also if you get out of the habit of putting the handbrake on, you may forget when you really need it. If the car rolls when you are in the garage you could end up trapped or damage the car.

I note you have an auto and with traditional auto boxes the park mode acts as a backup brake by locking the transmission and therefore the front wheels of your Mini, but it isn't to be relied on and puts strain on the gearbox if used to retain the car on a slope - brakes are cheaper to fix than a gearbox so personally I've never relied on it when I've used auto boxes.

Thanks Tallman, a very sensible answer, much appreciated.

EssexExile

I've been driving automatics for years and rarely use the handbrake. The problem with that is sometimes when I should use it, on a slope mainly, I forget! Luckily on modern cars the handbrake is automatic so I don't have to rely on my memory any more.

Zandoni

EssexExile said:

I've been driving automatics for years and rarely use the handbrake. The problem with that is sometimes when I should use it, on a slope mainly, I forget! Luckily on modern cars the handbrake is automatic so I don't have to rely on my memory any more.

A mini still has a conventional handbrake, so I won’t have that luxury.

Car_54

EssexExile said:

I've been driving automatics for years and rarely use the handbrake. The problem with that is sometimes when I should use it, on a slope mainly, I forget! Luckily on modern cars the handbrake is automatic so I don't have to rely on my memory any more.

It is an offence to leave a vehicle on a road without applying the parking brake.

Flight3287462

I never really use my handbrake (auto) and the only real issue I find is on older cars especially the handbrake can seize up a bit if not used (a pain at MOT time).  On manual cars I do tend to use it a bit more.

lemondrops69

I have an old auto and rarely use the handbrake. My main car applies the handbrake and puts the gearbox into park when I turn the engine off.

I guess it would be an offence to not apply it but unless the car rolls away I dont think plod will be checking 

EssexExile

Car_54 said:

EssexExile said:

I've been driving automatics for years and rarely use the handbrake. The problem with that is sometimes when I should use it, on a slope mainly, I forget! Luckily on modern cars the handbrake is automatic so I don't have to rely on my memory any more.

It is an offence to leave a vehicle on a road without applying the parking brake.

Which law is that?

HogMan

Highway Code Rule 239

• you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle