I enjoy a good debate, so I'll keep it going :P
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Originally Posted by pcguru2000
For me yes, I don't use it, unless I was going to park on a major hill.
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Again, it doesn't matter how YOU use it. You don't get to decide what proper vehicle operation is. Just because you don't use the parking brake, doesn't make it "correct operation" of your vehicle. It means you choose to operate your vehicle incorrectly. It might not have resulted in anything, but it's still wrong. That's like saying, "For me, correct operation of my vehicle is to always leave it running when I fill it with gas." Actually, no. You are using it wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcguru2000
Just because they choose to call it "parking brake", doesn't disassociate from being referred by everyone else as a hand brake, emergency brake, or e-brake. My guess, the lawyers chose the word that covered their butts the best. If someone applied the ebrake, and crashed, they could say that it was defective.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_brake
Parking brake or hand brake in automobiles, which can also be used in case of failure of the main braking system
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parking_brake
In road vehicles, the parking brake, also called[1] hand brake, emergency brake, or e-brake,
Check further back, other members have already covered this in a post. |
There is not a single vehicle I have ever seen that labels it as an Emergency Brake. Ever. It's always a (P) symbol for "Parking Brake". Even commercial vehicles label it as a "Parking Brake." The only reason people call it an emergency brake, is because it has become common practice to [incorrectly] not use that brake unless you are parked on a 45 degree incline. And so people now associate it with something that should only ever be used in emergencies. In reality, it's laziness that has lead to it being referred to as such. One day turn signals will also be referred to exclusively as "emergency signals" because so few people use them as is that eventually people won't even consider them turn signals.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcguru2000
The manual also says:
"Driver distraction: Always give your full attention to driving. Anything that distracts the driver, such as adjusting controls, talking on a cellular phone or
reading can result in a collision with resulting death or serious injury to you,
your occupants or others."
So leave your cellphone at home, have them disconnect the radio and display as this might distract you, duct tape all occupants mouths and body so that they stay absolutely still and keep their mouth shut so they don't distract. If you want to go ahead and listen to the radio, and talk on the phone that's "IMPROPER OPERATION of the vehicle, regardless of how common it is to do." LOL
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Except not doing those things would REALLY SUCK, so we accept that we must do them within reason. I'd love for you to explain to me the reason why setting the parking brake would be a HUGE inconvenience to you. Oh... right. It isn't. At all. It has literally NO downsides; only upsides. Not being able to adjust the air conditioning, or not being able to talk to your passengers has quite a few downsides.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcguru2000
Sure it puts stress, when parked on a steep hill. No one I know uses their emergency break while parking.
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Most people I know don't use their turn signals either. Or turn their headlights on at dusk. Or...
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcguru2000
The parking prong is engineered to withstand the stress of parking on a hill. Heck, I even engaged the parking prong at about 10mph when my brakes weren't working because an object lodged under the brake pedal. Rather than to crash in the car in front of me, I jammed it into park. (should have used the e-brake, don't know why I didn't) It did nothing to my 1995 nissan 200sx. I just heard a clonk and a little skid. Did I get lucky or was the transmission built to take that kind of force...who knows?
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Lots of things are over-engineered on a vehicle. They have to be, because people are stupid and will misuse/abuse things. Have you ever seen the testing they put vehicles through during development? None of that is stuff anyone in their right mind would willingly do to a vehicle they cared about. Just because something doesn't break, doesn't mean you are supposed to use it in that manner. It just means the engineers were good at their job.
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Originally Posted by pcguru2000
Hmmm...I think it might more a "MIGHT" or "NOT". The emergency brake that is applied to only one wheel would have a negligible impact of preventing damage. Especially on our cars, that the automatic in P mode already immobilizes both wheels.
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I'm confused. Are you suggesting that the Parking Brake only applies to a single rear wheel? Because that is incorrect.
As far as your examples, they are very specific, but I can give you plenty of others. What if you're in a parking lot, nose in to a spot, facing another vehicle. The vehicle in front of you pulled in after you, and is only 3 inches from your bumper (this is not an uncommon scenario.) Without the parking brake, it is likely that if someone else bumps your car while reversing out of their spot, it will easily roll at least those 3 inches, as the parking prawl method of parking leaves a LOT of slack in the drivetrain. With the parking brake immobilizing the rear wheels, you'll likely prevent having damage on both ends of your vehicle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcguru2000
If you feel safer using your e-brake everywhere. Great. You can do whatever you want that makes you feel safer. That doesn't make it wrong for us not to do something, that makes perfect sense in our situation.
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But it doesn't make sense. That's the thing. Setting the parking brake is nothing but added protection. It doesn't inconvenience you. It doesn't lower your fuel economy. It doesn't do anything bad. It literally only does good things. It makes the shifter easier to pull out of park, and reduces stress on the shift linkage. It minimizes vehicle movement. It keeps the car from rolling an inch or two when you're leaning into the engine bay working on it. Etc... Why not set it? What's the argument to not set it other than, "because I don't want to?" That might be a "reason," but it isn't a very good one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcguru2000
Just like Toyota...here's my disclaimer. For everyone out there, please follow your vehicle manual instructions implicitely. I am not liable if you follow, don't follow, misinterpret my opinions, my links or data I post. You're mileage may vary. For best possible outcome, please park your car in a 50ft thick bunker, do not drive it, do not expose it to light. I'm not responsible for the destruction of your car when the sun goes Nova and swallows the earth and your car is destroyed. Please transport your car safely to mars.  |
I lol'd.
