Parking System Components: Essential Elements for Ensuring Parking Safety

The vehicle parking system (commonly known as the “hand brake” or “foot brake”) is the core mechanism ensuring the vehicle remains stationary. Its performance relies on the coordinated operation of multiple precision components. Though unassuming, these parts serve as the “safety lock” during parking and hill starts, directly impacting the safety of both the vehicle and surrounding individuals.

The core components of the parking system primarily include four major categories: the parking brake control mechanism, the brake cable/push rod, the brake shoes/pads, and the brake drum/disc. The control mechanism serves as the driver's interface, commonly found as a handbrake lever (standard in passenger cars), a foot-operated parking pedal (in some MPVs and SUVs), or an electronic parking button (in mid-to-high-end models). Its function is to transmit the driver's operating force to subsequent components. Brake cables (for mechanical parking systems) or push rods (for hydraulic parking systems) serve as the power transmission link. Cables require high strength and tensile resistance, while push rods rely on seals to ensure efficient hydraulic transmission. Brake shoes/pads serve as the core braking actuators, typically made from high-friction, asbestos-free materials to prevent performance degradation at high temperatures. These interact with brake drums/discs to generate stopping force through friction. Drum brakes are common on rear wheels of economy vehicles, while disc brakes—offering superior heat dissipation and consistent braking—are widely adopted in mid-to-high-end models.

Failures in different components directly impact parking effectiveness. For instance, cable aging or breakage causes “parking brake failure,” excessive pad wear reduces holding force (leading to hill rollback), and loose actuators result in “increased parking brake travel.” During routine maintenance, owners should regularly inspect the free travel of the parking brake linkage (normally 3-5 teeth), observe brake shoe wear (check through the wheel hub gap; replace if thickness is less than 3mm), and for vehicles with electronic parking brakes, monitor the instrument panel for warning lights to prevent safety hazards caused by component aging.

These seemingly disparate parking system components collectively form the vehicle's “safety line” when stationary. Prioritizing their inspection and timely replacement ensures peace of mind with every stop.