Doesn't anyone use their handbrake any more?

[bushymcbush]

I get really irritated when I'm sitting in slow moving traffic in the dark, and every time the queue is at a standstill, even if for a couple of minutes, I'm half blinded by the brake lights of the car in front.

Modern cars lights are way bigger and brighter than they used to be and most of them have a massive third brake light across the top of the rear window as well as the two usual lights. It is bloody uncomfortable and annoying to sit looking at them glaring garishly at me, and it obscures my view of the other surroundings.

When I learned to drive I was taught to always use my handbrake for any stop longer than a momentary (couple of seconds) pause. I still do this and I wish everyone else would too.

As you were.

Handbrake cable is a LOT cheaper and easier than clutch cable to replace, which is why you should put the hand brake on and shift into neutral if you stop for more than a few seconds...

I drive an automatic so don't use the handbrake. When I moved over here I had to sit my drivers test and I got perfect marks apart from not applying the handbrake after I pulled into the parking spot. I have only used it once in the 6 years I have owned my car and that was when I was stopped at the top of a very steep hill and my car would have rolled back!

Bushy - I agree :)
(although even more worried about driving like someone's nana as I am (slightly) younger than you are! )

I use mine. I don't trust the normal brakes, tbh.

Worst case of no-handbrake-itis I saw was on the IOW ferry. Because obviously it's flat when you park, right?

I use my handbrake for mega hill starts where I might roll a little if I rely on the clutch. I don't bother on gentle slopes or slow moving traffic. Otherwise it only gets used for parking. My handbrake actually takes quite a bit of physical effort to release. I don't want to be doing that all the time.

I don't know anyone who uses the handbrake regularly when driving, tbh.

purple you can still put the car in neutral with your foot on the footbrake you know.

eurochick, not in mine because i need to keep the revs up - it's a 1970 Beetle

Ah I see!

I drive an auto and my instructor is always telling me to scan the crossing but also check the rear view mirror to see what's behind in case I need to brake sharply. Like on my last test which had hazards of Benny-Hill-like proportions including a child clearing the crossing then his teddy flung up in the air and him breaking away from holding his mother's hand on the pavement and running back onto it.

Anyway, I have always been confused as to why I should check behind. If it is going to be a question of hitting a pedestrian or being hit from behind, well, I know what would be better for all concerned. So I don't really understand that unless it is to brace yourself for impact. But I see see the point of handbrakes at crossings and traffic lights with a long wait in case of being shunted forward.

This is good if you want to see over-use of the handbrake.

Some very funny comments too.

I use it a lot. Otherwise you cause unnecessary wear and tear - and possibly big repair bills - to your clutch and brake pads, innit.

I use it a lot. It's hilly here. And my tiny feet get tired of having to constantly push down/hold the brake every time I stop.

I used to use mine all the time, then I passed my driving test. Since then I haven't used it except for parking, that was 18 years ago. Sorry about the brake light thing, but hey, at least I don't roll back on hills due to my superb clutch control (honed from years of practice)

Agh this is one of my moans.

In a queue of traffic behind some huge 4WD thingy yesterday lit up like a christmas tree, shining right in my windscreen of my mini.

It is surely courtesy as much as anything to not dazzle the driver behind you?

My only bit of happiness as I went blind was thinking that I pay zero road tax and don't have to take out a second mortgage to fill my petrol tank...

I never used to, until about a year ago I was stuck on the motorway in stationary traffic for about 15 mins with the WORST migrane ever. The driver in front kept their foot on the brake for the whole time. I almost got out my car to go and politely ask them to stop it, but it was dark and I was scared the traffic would start moving!

My ruddy handbrake doesn't work. I have paid garage to fix it & it evidently passes MOT, but basically it's useless and I would never rely on it for anything.
Brake lights in front have never bothered me, though.

Exactly, freelancescientist. It's just good bloody courtesy not to dazzle the person behind.

I really fail to understand what seems to be so 'uncool' about using it, but a lot of posters above seem to think that it is.

I do however understand about automatics as dh has one. But they are few and far between - the rest of you, no excuse.

I always use my handbrake as I'm lazy and like to rest my legs. But I'm happy to drive behind people who don't, as you get half a second warning that they're going to move off.
I have been rolled back into once though by someone who probably should have used the handbrake.

Not using the handbrake is just laziness.

All the 'good' drivers I know use it when stationery for more than a few seconds.

That's the thing about driving, isn't it? People become complacent don't always think about the sort of damage that can happen if something goes wrong. It's all about minimising risk, and using the handbrake does that.

*stationary

The handbrake will stop you charging as quickly into the car in front if you are hit from behind. If you can see 'rubber on tarmac' (ie the car in front's rear tyres) then, if you are hit from behind, unless they are doing stupid speeds, you will not hit the car in front, or, as you will also be checking your rear view mirror whilst in a queue of traffic, you will anticipate the buerk behind and either tap your foot brake or possibly be able to take other avoiding action.

Please use your handbrakes - they're there for a reason: to keep you stationary when necessary. Advanced driving is fun and is a skill worth learning.

Erm, Winteriscoming, I watched part one of Pat's test and honestly, I didn't notice any overuse of the handbrake.

Maybe she does it more in the other 2 parts? Couldn't be bothered to watch any more.

Glad to see a few more posters on the side of reason.

bloody right - those rear window brake lights are really blinding. As are the damn headlights these days as well. Modern technology, bah humbug......

I use my handbrake whenever I can. I like to rest my feet.

I also get really irritated at being blinded by other people's brake lights when waiting at traffic lights and like knowing that I'm not doing the same to the driver behind.

Don't even get me started on fog lights

Oh, and I drive an automatic. I have no problem with putting the handbrake on and keeping it in drive/ manual mode - just have to make sure it's on properly so the car doesn't creep.

Sorry folks, but there is no excuse.

For me, using the handbrake is automatic. Luckily my Qashqai electronic handbrake is easy to use, just like signalling left at the roundabout exit (yes, even at some mini roundabouts- sad isn't it?).