Using the parking brakes

All of my early cars were manuals. I've also professionally driven trucks, tractors, and heavy equipment, all with manual transmissions. I can state categorically that I have *never* shifted to N and applied the parking brake while waiting at a light. I have never known any other drivers to do it either. That isn't to say that none do, but I wouldn't make your sweeping statement that the practice is typical.

What I typically did, and most other drivers that I know, was shift to N and hold the service brake with my right foot, assuming that the wait was long enough to warrant shifting.

Tom

 

Good driving practices very by location. The UK and Australia teach drivers to use the parking brake in this manner. Likewise they teach the use of the parking brake for starting on hills. This is not common practice in the U.S., as most manual drivers are taught to use a quick foot shift from the service brake to the accelerator to avoid rolling backward on hills.

As for the clutch throw out bearing, I agree with you. Others, however, will argue that sitting in N puts you in a position where you can't quickly react to an emergency. Using the parking brake further aggravates this line of argument.

Tom

 

Not sure Eropean models are equipped with Hill Start Assist?
Anybody has an idea?
Have to check this!

 

Giora
Yes we have it in Israel and Europe
Press the brake hard and you will see
I beleive this is what you are referring to

 

It occurs to me after seeing all the mentions of Hill Start Assist in this thread that you could probably use it for this purpose too; it will keep the brakes applied for up to about 2 seconds, or until you start pressing the gas pedal. So if somebody rear-ends you, it will presumably keep braking - and it'll brake on all four wheels, not just the two rear ones like a parking brake would.

 

If you know how to do it, it's not hard to shift your foot without stalling or rolling back. If you don't know how, it can be embarrassing at best.

Tom

 

I had a manual until this year when I got the Prius and have had one constantly for almost a decade before getting rid of it. I'd often take it out into neutral while at a light but always relied on just the foot brake, not the hand brake, even on hill starts--and even on very steep hills. Only exception if a car very close behind (like right up my...). A good manual driver really doesn't need to use the handbrake and will have only minimal roll back . I didn't like keeping the clutch pedal in @ long lights and especially after replacing a slave cylinder a couple of times I felt like keeping the system under pressure could potentially speed its wear, hence the N (plus just less effort!).

 

Parking Brake in Winter

Here are some newbie questions about use of the parking brake in cold weather. In the 2010 owner's manual there is a section on "Winter Driving Tips" (Page 262) which advises,

"Park the vehicle and push the "P" position switch without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If necessary block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping."

Do those of you experienced Prius drivers who live in cold climates specifically avoid using the parking brake in the winter? Have any of you ever encountered the parking brake freezing up, and if so, at what temperature?

Thanks for your comments!

 

Re: Parking Brake in Winter

I avoid using the parking brake in any weather, unless conditions suggest its use. I use it when parking on inclines, and in any parking situation where roll could be catastrophic.

By this selection criteria, in the winter I still use the parking brake, as the outcome of freezing is less damaging than the outcome of rolling off a hill.

Tom

 

Most of us here in the UK drive a manual like teakwood, except the "Advanced" :blah::lalala: drivers who drive in their own advanced world, displaying their big IAM badge on the front of their cars. hwell: :lol: