Manual drivers—do you always use the parking brake when you park?

Question
1

Living in the northeast, I’ve noticed that emergency brakes on used vehicles rarely work properly. Either they don’t engage, or they won’t release once applied. I used to fix them myself, but they’d rust solid again if not used regularly.

Right now, I’m driving a 1994 F-150 with a straight 6 and M5OD transmission. It’s slightly hilly where I live, and I usually park in 1st or reverse. If it’s really steep, I’ll throw a chock under the wheels. So far, the engine compression has been enough to keep it from rolling. What do you guys do? Do you always use the parking brake, or is leaving it in gear enough?

2

You should always use the parking brake. There’s no real reason not to use it unless it’s broken.

3

Jaime said:
You should always use the parking brake. There’s no real reason not to use it unless it’s broken.

Totally agree. And before anyone says, ‘the cables freeze,’ that’s nonsense. Brake cables only freeze or break if they aren’t used regularly. Use them every time you park, and you won’t have problems. It’s also cheaper to replace brake parts than a transmission.

4

@Vance
I had a 2006 Accord manual and always used the parking brake, even in freezing Midwest winters. Never had a single issue. Plus, I’ve seen cars roll down driveways without it. Parking brakes are essential.

5

@Vance
A lot of people think you have to yank the handle as hard as possible to engage the parking brake. That’s how you end up stretching the cable. Just apply it firmly; no need to overdo it.

6

Parker said:
@Vance
A lot of people think you have to yank the handle as hard as possible to engage the parking brake. That’s how you end up stretching the cable. Just apply it firmly; no need to overdo it.

Even if it stretches a little, you can adjust the nuts near the handle or brakes to tighten it up again.

7

@Dara
True, but over-tightening only works for so long. Eventually, the cable will need to be replaced.

8

@Dara
Some vehicles have self-adjusting systems for the cable. They can handle a bit of slack without any manual tweaks.

9

@Vance
I used my parking brake religiously, and it still seized up on me. Moisture got in and caused corrosion. In the winter, it would freeze in place; in the summer, it would stick and drag. Sometimes, it’s just a defect. That said, I still think it’s better to use it than to risk damaging your transmission.

10

@Day
Everything on a car wears out eventually. Parking brake cables and hardware are pretty cheap to replace. You might also try lubricating the cable to free it up.

11

I use mine on automatic vehicles if I’m parked on a slope. It takes the strain off the transmission.

12

I use the parking brake on every vehicle, every time, no matter the transmission type.

13

I have an automatic, and my driveway is sloped. I always use the parking brake—it’s just good practice.

14

For manuals, yes, I use it every time.

15

I use the parking brake on all my vehicles, even automatics. It’s especially important for manuals since there’s nothing else keeping the car from rolling.

16

I don’t always use it on level ground at home, but I keep the car in gear. If I’m on a slope or in an unfamiliar area, I use the parking brake and leave it in gear. Better safe than sorry.

17

After owning several manual cars, it’s just a habit to use the parking brake every time I park.

18

I just leave it in gear, usually 1st or reverse.

19

Pacey said:
I just leave it in gear, usually 1st or reverse.

That’s risky. The car could pop out of gear and roll.

20

My dad used to say leaving it in gear was enough—until our car rolled down a hill and hit a bunch of other cars. Since then, I’ve always used the parking brake without exception.