When should I use the Emergency Brake?

[CalvinT]

At the Offrodeo they asked everyone to set the park brake every time before you shifted into park to save the parking pawl and for safety. It would have been nice to have the switch next to the shifter like in my wife's Lexus. I'm looking into relocating it. Jim.

I've always used the parking brake since I started driving no matter what kind of transmission.

Offroadeo gave great advice. Even if you're on level ground the parking brake protects the parking pawl in an automatic. With a manual it prevents you from returning to a vehicle that isn't where you left it.

If you're parallel parked someone could bump you when they're parking or leaving. The parking brake protects the parking pawl in such an event.

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[Onestepmore]

Under what conditions should I use the Emergency Brake? Only when barking uphill or downhill? what about everytime I park the car?

When at the Bronco rodeo we were instructed to put your foot on the brake, apply the emergency brake and then put the vehicle in park. Reason for this sequence is to alleviate the stress on the transmission key in the park position. I've been doing that ever since and it becomes pretty natural step. Just a thought and makes sense to me so I keep doing it.

 

[ECMBronco]

I wonder if anyone has ever converted from an electric parking brake to a manual one? Particularly on a manual bronco. i was just reading about this and I think it would be difficult to do. Looks like the electronic parking brake works together with some of the off road assists.

 

[ATLien]

Since it takes all of a half second to engage and disengage, why not just always use it? Even if you think, or "know" it's not needed; it certainly won't hurt, and might help a lot.

 

[CalvinT]

Since it takes all of a half second to engage and disengage, why not just always use it? Even if you think, or "know" it's not needed; it certainly won't hurt, and might help a lot.

At least with the electric parking brake you don't have to worry about driving around with the parking brake partially set. I still don't like it. I'm going to carry the tools needed to release it in case of electrical failure.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

Since it takes all of a half second to engage and disengage...

You don't need to bother disengaging it, just stick it in gear and start driving. I almost never push the button to release it.

Personally, I think it was kind of stupid of Ford to design it that way, but that's not the only feature I feel that way about.

 

[Heritage Bruce]

Woof...

 

[LSW]

I do the off roadeo parking procedure every time I park (foot on brake pedal, apply parking brake, shift to neutral, let settle, then shift to park). My wife also has a Bronco and never does that, she just goes from drive to to park. Maybe in 10 years we can find out if it mattered unless we are dead or the broncos have been wrecked or traded.

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