How to Properly and Safely Engage the Parking Brake on a Truck

There’s a story of an old truck driver, his experience as thick as the tires on a Howo truck fully loaded, navigating the busy streets of Hanoi. One day, he shared his secret to engaging the parking brake with younger drivers: “Pulling the parking brake seems easy, but it’s not. You have to do it correctly to keep the truck from rolling, and to preserve the brakes!” His words stuck with me, even now as an expert at XE TẢI HÀ NỘI.

So, what’s the secret to properly engaging the parking brake? Let’s delve into the details in this article.

Engaging the Parking Brake – Why is it Crucial?

Engaging the parking brake (also known as the handbrake or emergency brake) is a fundamental yet critical action for any truck driver, especially when parking on a slope or uneven terrain. Proper engagement not only ensures safety, preventing the truck from rolling downhill and causing accidents, but also protects the braking system, extending the lifespan of your vehicle.

Safely engaging the parking brake on a truck

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Engaging the Parking Brake

Below is a detailed guide on how to correctly and safely engage the parking brake on a truck, drawn from the experience of seasoned drivers and the expertise of XE TẢI HÀ NỘI:

1. Come to a Complete Stop: Before engaging the parking brake, ensure the truck has come to a complete stop. Never engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion, as this can damage the braking system and even lead to loss of control.
2. Pull the Lever Fully Up: Use firm hand pressure to pull the parking brake lever all the way up until you hear a clicking sound from the locking mechanism.
3. Check the Parking Brake Warning Light: Ensure the parking brake warning light on the dashboard illuminates, indicating that the brake is engaged.
4. Verify by Releasing the Foot Brake: After engaging the parking brake, keep your foot on the brake pedal and slowly release the clutch. If the truck remains stationary and doesn’t roll, you have successfully engaged the parking brake.

Checking the parking brake warning light

Note:

• With some older truck models, you might hear a clicking or ratcheting sound when engaging the parking brake. This is the normal sound of the ratchet mechanism and not a cause for concern.
• If you pull the parking brake lever all the way up and the truck still rolls, take it to a reputable garage immediately to have the braking system inspected and repaired.