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Comparing Electric vs Manual Handbrakes & Which is Better?

What is a Manual Handbrake?

Manual Handbrake

What is a Manual Handbrake?

The lever handbrake is often referred to as a manual handbrake. This braking system includes a mechanical lever stationed between the two front seats. When pulled, this lever engages with the rear brakes to station the car in one place. This system is simple to understand and, hence, reliable for most drivers who are all too familiar with it.

A manual handbrake is mechanically simple, inexpensive, and hence easy to repair. They need periodic service and maintenance to reduce wear and tear and ensure proper working, especially in old units.

What is an Electric Handbrake?

Electric Handbrake

What is an Electric Handbrake?

Electric handbrakes are a new age and convenient alternative to traditional handbrakes. The engagement or disengagement to enable the break is not done through the conventional lever. This handbrake is an electronic device with an attached control unit. This ensures automatic calibration at the applied and released conditions of this brake.

Additionally, auto-hold ensures that on an incline, the car stays still. Even as a driver transitions from the brake to the accelerator and never rolls back. Most electric handbrakes are also fitted with hill-start assistance. This makes driving on slopes much more manageable.

Key Differences Between Manual and Electric Handbrakes

The comparison table shows the essential differences between manual and electric handbrakes. This helps you to analyse the workings of the handbrakes critically:

Aspect Manual Handbrake Electric Handbrake
Operation It is a physical lever pull with operations through cables that connect to the rear brakes. It is activated by a push or switch, which activates an electric motor to apply the brakes.
Control Provides tactile feedback and direct control. This assures drivers of a sense of assurance in operation. Operates automatically or semi-automatically, making it user-friendly and reducing driver effort.
Complexity It is a simple mechanical design with fewer parts and is easy to understand and repair. Often equipped with more sophisticated features. Such as hill-start assist, auto-hold, and fail-safe mechanisms for enhanced security.
Safety Features Without supplementary safety aids, effectiveness is dependent upon input from the driver. Often equipped with more sophisticated features. Such as hill-start assist, auto-hold, and fail-safe mechanisms for enhanced security.
Maintenance Requirements Requires regular readjustment of cables to avoid loosening and provide the best performance. Its electronic nature calls for a more extensive diagnosis. This typically incurs more significant maintenance costs.
Aesthetics It occupies more cabin space and looks out of place in a new, modern vehicle's interior. It has a thin, simple design. It also frees up space often destined for storage or other functionalities.
Emergency Use It can be used in an emergency while driving, though it demands skill to avoid skidding or wheel locking. Many systems include an emergency brake function. However, it may be more complex than the manual alternative.
Suitability for Driving Conditions It is preferred for off-road and rugged terrains due to its simplicity and reliability. Best suited for urban driving and modern vehicles that benefit from advanced features.
Longevity Durable when appropriately maintained but prone to wear in cables and mechanical parts. Longevity depends on the quality of electronic components and proper usage.
Learning Curve It may be challenging for new drivers unfamiliar with manual operation. It is intuitive and easy to operate, even for new drivers.

Knowing how different handbrakes work will make us use them more efficiently. Here is a quick overview of how the manual and electric brakes work

How Manual Car Handbrakes Work?

How Manual Car Handbrakes Work?

  • Operation: The manual handbrake operates through a mechanical lever, which the driver pulls up or releases to engage the parking brake. It involves direct contact with the driver's effort in physical terms.

  • Mechanism: The rear brakes are attached to manual handbrakes via cables when the lever is pulled. This pulls them and creates friction to stop the wheels from turning. These sometimes must be adjusted because they stretch or wear out.

  • User Control: In this, the driver directly operates the brake's engagement. He pulls the lever upwards to engage the brake and pushes it down to disengage it. When applying the brake, the driver must be conscious of where the car is.

How Electric Car Handbrakes Work?

How Electric Car Handbrakes Work?

  • Operation: The system is activated by a button or switch. It is operated electrically to deploy the electric handbrake to apply or release the parking brake. Electrical motors and sensors entirely run the process.

  • Mechanism: These automatically apply and release the brakes using motors and sensors. The system is installed into the vehicle's ECU so that the proper force at the right time is applied or released for braking.

  • User Control: This involves an auto-electric handbrake provision. Hence, it excludes driver’s manually exerted force causing discomfort while parking. Automatic holding and hill assist mechanisms often exist on different car models to aid in slopes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Manual Handbrakes

Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Handbrakes

Which is Better Between Manual or Electric Handbrakes?

Which Offers More Convenience - Electric or Manual Handbrakes?

FAQs about Manual And Electric Handbrakes