How to use a handbrake in a car - what to do when you can't get it off

How to use a handbrake in a car and why so many people struggle to get it off. This is a big problem for many new drivers but it's about technique and not power. Lift the handbrake first then push the button and then drop it to the floor. Easy when you know how!
The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, should only be used when the vehicle is dead still. A handy rule to remember is the one I mention in this video: never pull the handbrake on unless your car has been dead still for at least 2 seconds. If you pull it on when you are moving then you can cause serious problems because the rear brakes only would lock on with no brake lights shown.
The handbrake is NOT for stoping your car other than in dire emergencies when all the other brakes have failed. This is highly unlikely to ever happen but if it did then you'd have to slow down by coming down the gears and slowly applying the handbrake. It's a last-ditch method but it may be needed one day if all else fails.
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[@sophie8063]

Thank you so much for this video! I have been feeling like a right wally with my lack of confidence with the handbrake. Definitely over thinking this with the muscle! 'Not about power, technique' - I am determined for my next lesson :)

[@KUT3684]

You're a life saver.helped me
Simple,pull it up a bit and then down❤

[@johndd9140]

Nice one - thank you for the video 👍

[@U_abc_xyz]

Very valid till date... I was almost embarrassed but your video saved me.

[@bidithdey8984]

Really useful and informative video. Thank you. Please more videos like this.

[@1stdrive]

Thanks, I am going to make more like this going over topics in more detail rather than just general tip videos.

[@Apple-vp6tg]

Thank you so much❤
You are a savior❤

[@i.q.1979]

Thank you so much

[@musunguzachary605]

Thanks so much

[@Kanika97x]

Hi I had a problem with my handbrake this morning cause a mechanic pulled it up to high and I couldn’t release it. Does it matter if you don’t put it up so high when parking ?

[@Boka716]

IT ACTUALLY WORKED, My mom was gonna flip,🎉🎉I couldn't get the handbrake down, then after watching this video the handbrake went down.

[@luhdrip5712]

thankyou

[@hegotaspare]

My handbrake in my van that I drive is really hard to use. The one in my fiesta is so easy to use, requires no effort at all.

[@bassaseven]

My instructor always told me to push button and pull up so not to wear ratchet out!

[@1stdrive]

In some cars it is true that you wear the ratchet out but in others, such as mine, they recommend you don't push the button. There is no absolute rule and instructors that say either is always right or wrong, are wrong.

[@snike_5428]

Legend

[@1stdrive]

Thanks very much :-D

[@venti3273]

Trying to watch videos on how to do this because my mums car doesn’t have a handbrake like this, it’s like a switch you flick so I completely forgot how to use a handbrake and I’m also weak in general and I don’t wanna fail my driver’s license before the car even can move lmao

[@cutuway]

I got stuck yesterday at 2 AM with the handbrake pulled all the way up so I had to drive all the way to the gas station WITH THE HANDBRAKE ON to get it fixed and then I realized that all I had to do was pull it up then down😭 it gave a really nasty tire burning smell when I arrived at the station.

[@atarishrivastava8603]

Omg😂😂

[@VSTV1993]

If your American it's called an 'E-brake'