Which condition should you avoid using the parking brake?

Which condition should you avoid using the parking brake?

• A. On level ground
• B. If the brakes are very hot
• C. On a steep incline
• D. In a crowded area

Answer: (B)

Parking brakes are meant to hold a vehicle still after you’ve stopped, but using them when the brakes are very hot creates a real risk. The heat makes the brake components expand and can cause the friction material to fuse to the drum or the shoes to stick to the drum. That can lock or bind the brakes and make them hard to release when you’re ready to move again, or cause uneven wear and possible damage. Let hot brakes cool before setting the parking brake, especially after heavy braking or downhill driving. In other conditions, such as on level ground or in other normal parking situations, using the parking brake is appropriate; the key danger here is applying it while the brakes are hot.

Parking brakes are meant to hold a vehicle still after you’ve stopped, but using them when the brakes are very hot creates a real risk. The heat makes the brake components expand and can cause the friction material to fuse to the drum or the shoes to stick to the drum. That can lock or bind the brakes and make them hard to release when you’re ready to move again, or cause uneven wear and possible damage. Let hot brakes cool before setting the parking brake, especially after heavy braking or downhill driving. In other conditions, such as on level ground or in other normal parking situations, using the parking brake is appropriate; the key danger here is applying it while the brakes are hot.