Parking brakes may sound like a feature that is "nice to have, but not essential." In fact, it is this component that works hard behind the scenes to keep your car safe when you leave it parked, whether on flat ground or on a nerve-wracking incline.

Although often overlooked, the parking brake is a loyal friend that ensures your vehicle doesn't slide or roll away unexpectedly. By understanding how it works and its benefits, drivers can be more mindful of its condition, making the driving experience safer and more comfortable.

What is a Parking Brake?

A parking brake, or handbrake, is a braking system specifically designed to keep the car stationary when parked. In the automotive world, this component is also often called a handbrake or emergency brake.

Unlike the main brakes that work when the car is moving, the parking brake is responsible for locking the vehicle in place. In most cars, the mechanism applies brake pads to the rear wheels, although some modern models allow the parking brake to work on all wheels.

Operating it is simple: just pull the lever or press the special pedal in the driver's footwell. But make no mistake, even though it looks simple, its role is vital in maintaining safety.

Main Functions of the Parking Brake

If you think the parking brake is just a "parking aid," consider the following important functions:

1. Keeping the Car Stationary

The parking brake keeps the car in position, especially on slopes. By locking the wheels, the parking brake prevents the car from rolling away suddenly, even when the main brakes are not working optimally.

2. A Lifesaver in Emergency Situations

In extreme conditions such as brake failure, the parking brake can be used as an emergency braking option. It is not as powerful as the main brakes, but it gives the driver more time to control the vehicle, especially on downhill roads.

3. Maintains Vehicle Stability

The parking brake also helps maintain vehicle stability when parked. On slippery roads, in windy conditions, or when there is vibration from the surroundings, this brake ensures that the car remains stable and its components do not wear out quickly.

4. Reduces Load on Transmission & Main Brakes

Using the parking brake reduces the load on the transmission and main brake systems. The result? Components last longer and the risk of damage is minimized.

Electric Parking Brake (EPB): The Parking Brake of Today

As technology advances, parking brakes have also evolved. Nowadays, many manufacturers are installing Electric Parking Brakes (EPB), an electronic braking system that replaces the traditional manual lever.

Why are more cars using EPB? Here are the reasons:

1. Practical with Just a Button

EPB works automatically with just one touch. No need to pull the lever hard, just press the button. The auto-hold feature also ensures that the brakes are active when the car stops, which is very useful in traffic jams or when parallel parking.

2. Increased Safety

The EPB system is designed to be smarter. For example: the brakes automatically lock when the car is turned off or if the driver forgets to activate them.

EPB is also often connected to safety features like ABS and ESC, making control more stable in emergency situations or on slippery surfaces.

3. A More Modern Interior

The large parking brake lever is replaced by a small button, giving the interior a cleaner and more modern look. EPB is also often connected to hill-start assist features, helping the car stop or start on inclines without the risk of rolling backward.

Conclusion

Parking brakes, whether conventional or EPB models, are important features that ensure driving safety, not just interior accessories. Make sure this system is always in top condition so that your journey remains safe, comfortable, and drama-free both on the road and when parking.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Mengenal Rem Parkir & EPB beserta Cara Kerjanya

Parking brake mungkin terdengar seperti fitur yang “ada ya syukur, enggak juga nggak masalah”. Padahal, justru komponen inilah yang diam-diam bekerja keras menjaga mobil tetap aman saat kamu tinggalkan parkir, baik di tanah datar maupun di tanjakan yang bikin deg-degan.

Walau sering disepelekan, rem parkir adalah teman setia yang memastikan kendaraan nggak geser atau meluncur tanpa aba-aba. Dengan paham cara kerja dan manfaatnya, pengemudi bisa lebih bijak menjaga kondisinya, supaya pengalaman berkendara makin aman dan nyaman.

Apa Itu Parking Brake?

Parking brake, atau rem parkir, adalah sistem pengereman yang dirancang khusus menjaga mobil tetap diam saat diparkir. Di dunia otomotif, komponen ini sering juga disebut handbrake atau emergency brake.

Berbeda dari rem utama yang bekerja saat mobil berjalan, rem parkir bertugas mengunci posisi kendaraan. Pada kebanyakan mobil, mekanismenya menekan kampas rem di roda belakang, walau beberapa model modern membiarkan parking brake bekerja di semua roda.

Pengoperasiannya pun simpel: cukup tarik tuas atau injak pedal khusus di area kaki pengemudi. Tapi jangan salah, meski terlihat sederhana, perannya justru vital dalam menjaga keselamatan.

Fungsi Utama Parking Brake

Kalau kamu kira rem parkir cuma “alat bantu parkir”, coba lihat fungsi pentingnya berikut ini:

1. Menahan Mobil Tetap Diam

Parking brake menjaga mobil tetap pada posisinya, terutama di medan miring. Dengan mengunci roda, rem parkir mencegah mobil menggelinding tiba-tiba, bahkan saat rem utama sedang tak maksimal.

2. Jadi Penyelamat di Situasi Darurat

Dalam kondisi ekstrem seperti rem blong, parking brake bisa jadi opsi pengereman darurat. Memang tidak sekuat rem utama, tapi cukup menambah waktu pengemudi mengendalikan kendaraan, terutama di jalan menurun.

3. Menjaga Stabilitas Mobil

Rem parkir juga membantu menjaga stabilitas mobil saat parkir. Di jalan licin, hembusan angin, atau getaran dari sekitar, rem ini memastikan mobil tetap anteng dan komponen tidak cepat aus.

4. Mengurangi Beban Transmisi & Rem Utama

Dengan menggunakan rem parkir, beban sistem transmisi dan rem utama berkurang. Hasilnya? Komponen lebih awet dan risiko kerusakan bisa diminimalkan.

Electric Parking Brake (EPB): Rem Parkir Masa Kini

Seiring perkembangan teknologi, rem parkir pun ikut naik kelas. Kini banyak pabrikan menyematkan Electric Parking Brake (EPB), sistem pengereman elektronik yang menggantikan tuas manual tradisional.

Kenapa makin banyak mobil pakai EPB? Ini alasannya:

1. Praktis Cuma dengan Tombol

EPB bekerja otomatis hanya dengan satu sentuhan. Tidak perlu menarik tuas kuat-kuat, cukup tekan tombol. Fitur auto-hold juga memastikan rem aktif saat mobil berhenti, sangat berguna saat macet atau parkir paralel.

2. Keamanan Meningkat

Sistem EPB dirancang lebih pintar. Contohnya: rem otomatis mengunci saat mobil dimatikan atau ketika pengemudi lupa mengaktifkannya.

EPB juga sering terhubung dengan fitur keselamatan seperti ABS dan ESC, membuat pengendalian lebih stabil di kondisi darurat atau permukaan licin.

3. Interior Lebih Modern

Tuas rem parkir yang besar diganti tombol mungil, bikin interior terlihat lebih bersih dan modern. Tak jarang EPB juga terhubung dengan fitur hill-start assist, membantu mobil berhenti atau mulai jalan di tanjakan tanpa risiko mundur.

Kesimpulan

Parking brake, baik model konvensional maupun EPB adalah fitur penting yang menjaga keamanan berkendara, bukan sekadar pelengkap interior. Pastikan sistem ini selalu dalam kondisi prima agar perjalanan tetap aman, nyaman, dan bebas drama baik di jalan maupun saat parkir.