Electric Handbrake vs Manual: Which is better?

Is one better than the other? and how does an electronic handbrake work? We will explain in this blog:

• How do manual and electric handbrakes work?
• Pros and cons of electric handbrakes and manual handbrakes
• Are electric handbrakes better than manual ones?
• How reliable are electric handbrakes?
• Can you tow a car with a stuck electric handbrake?
• How to use an electric handbrake in an emergency
• How to perform a hill start using an electric handbrake

How do manual and electric handbrakes work?

Manual handbrakes have a cable that tensions when activated and released. This cable is connected to the rear brake system that is squeezed when you pull the handbrake.

Electric handbrakes work similarly but use electric motors to lock the car in place. As you press the electric handbrake button, motors on the rear brakes press the brakes together which holds the vehicle in place.

Are electric handbrakes better than manual ones?

Both have their pros and cons, so here are a few for you to make a decision on which you would prefer:

Electric handbrakes pros

If you are a forgetful person or if you are juggling a lot of things, many electronic handbrakes will automatically apply themselves when you turn off the car.

• It’s a button. This means you don’t have to lift and release a clunky handbrake
• It takes up less space in the centre console which means that there will be more space in the cabin
• They make driving away easier as many will automatically disengage as you apply the accelerator

Cons

• They are more expensive to repair if they break as they are trickier to replace
• They can take time to get used to if you’ve only used a manual one
• You cannot use them if you take them on a track course, but this is only a problem for a select few

Manual handbrake pros

• They are typically cheaper to fix and repair if they break
• They are more familiar as they have been around for a long time
• They are more mentally assuring as they are a physical lever rather than a button

Cons

• They take up a lot of room within the centre console and the cabin
• They don’t automatically disengage as you drive off
• They are more prone to damage if they are forcefully used over a long period

How reliable are electric handbrakes?

Electric handbrakes vs manual are more complex due to being electronically operated, but they are simple to use. Failures in the electronic handbrakes are rare.

However, in the rare chance that they fail, some electronic handbrakes have manual release. This varies from car to car and means that it is best to check your owner’s manual.

Can you tow a car with a stuck electric handbrake?

If your car does not have a manual release built-in and you cannot release the electronic handbrake, you will need to release the handbrake before it is towed. Calling a flatbed will be the best cause of action if you cannot release the handbrake where you are. This will reduce the chance of causing damage to your car.

How to use an electric handbrake in an emergency

When travelling at speed, you cannot use the electronic handbrake in an emergency. This will cause damage to the vehicle and may result in the car losing control. It’s better to firmly press the brake pedal until you have reached a full stop.

How to perform a hill start using an electric handbrake?

Performing a hill start is the same as in a car with a manual handbrake.

Firstly, make sure your handbrake is engaged and the clutch pedal is firmly on the floor. Gently lift your clutch until you feel the biting point whilst adding slight pressure to the throttle. Once you feel the biting point, release the handbrake and gently apply more throttle to slowly and smoothly drive away.

If you want more information about how to perform a hill start, read our hill start blog or speak to one of our team at your local Chorley Group branch to find out more information about electric handbrakes.