ak

iTrader: (19)

Just curious... i'm a bit stupid.

4drcivic2k1

iTrader: (2)

With an auto or manual? parking brake on the manual just engages the rear brakes and "park" on an auto locks the tranny...

Manbird

Well, to put it simply, it's an intricate pin inside of the transmission gear box, that when 'selected in park' "pokes" out and engages the next gear cog and prevents it from going forward. Of course the car has to roll a little bit for the pin to engage the next cog on the transmission. Once locked the pin is held into place by a spring and by the wieght of the car pressing against the pin. The pin is tapered so that it can disengage easily when selected to do so. Sort of like, putting a pencil into the spokes of a bicycle wheel. THe wheel will roll until it hits up against the pencil which prevents it from turning. Basically put[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/IMG]

civicsedanlx01

is it necessary to use the emergency break if you have an automatic.

Manbird

The manual transmission should also be parked using the emergency brake. This keeps the transmission from bearing the full load of the car's weight. I usually engage the parking brake before letting the car roll to it's natural resting possition. That way, if the brake fails for some reason or is disengaged (by a child or something) the car is 'caught' by the transmission. That way, only the emergency brake is handling the full load. And the transmission is allowed to breath a little!

VNlilMAN

iTrader: (7)

i think it would be a good idea to. as manbird said, if your on "p" the whole weight of the car is resting on the tranny. it might not be a big deal when you parked on level ground but if the ground is a 30 degree angle it might be... regardless i always use the parking brake... but ya i couldnt have said it better then manbird.. its best if you pull up the parking break then put it on 'p'.

Krepoort

iTrader: (1)

Its not necessary but it is recommended. Even states it in the manual.

-Kre

civicsedanlx01

thanks guys. I've always used it and my friends make fun of me for doing it all the time. And some people tell me that it is putting strain or some bs on my e-brake and I was like whatever dude. So, I continue to use it then.

Manbird

I think they might not fully understand the physics involved in the braking system. The E-brake actually uses a 'Cam' that pushes the drum brakes against the drum with as much pressure as would be applied by stomping on the brake with two feet. (depending on how tight you pull and the tension of your brake cable)

When the car is standing still, to get it to start moving with the brakes engaged takes quite a bit of force. Much more force than the weight of the car itself! So don't worry, your E-brake is pratically laughing at your request to keep the car still!

ak

iTrader: (19)

Interesting, thanks. I'll keep engaging the E-brake before it rolls from "P"