MAMEWorld Forums - The Loony Bin - Re: Using your parking brake

> I was taught to use my parking brake (of course, I learned on a stick), and have
> always used it. Seems these days, regardless of age or sex, most people don't. Here's
> a contemporary reason *to* use it:
>
>
> Q. After recently having my brakes repaired, the service adviser informed me that I
> need to set my parking brake every time I park my car. He said it assisted in keeping
> the rear brakes adjusting, is this true and how?
>
>
> A. Your service adviser is absolutely correct and better educated than most. Most
> modern cars and light trucks use what is called a single or non-servo rear brake.
> These brake designs have the self adjuster connected to the parking brake assemblies
> and do require park brake usage to ensure rear brake adjustment. This not only
> ensures proper rear brake operation but also helps keep the brake pedal high and the
> brakes functioning better keeping excess load from prematurely wearing the front
> brakes. The days of having to sharply apply the brakes while moving in reverse are
> almost gone; some vehicles still require this, so check with your brake system
> specialist to find out what kind you have.

This statement only applies if you've got drums in back.