Ever wondered what happens when you push the handbrake button whilst driving ?

[james_tiger_woo]

I read somwhere that to use the handbrake as an emergency brake you need to keep it pressed. should work at speeds up to 70 mph!!

And over 70 ???

[shudman]

Mmmm.....what fun on grass !! Not sure the neighbour would appreciate a couple of sqiggly number 11's across his front lawn though

Boy I feel childish even thinking about it !

[nickdavenport]

After reading about applying the handbrake button while driving,i tried it and can confirm that when doing about 60 mph holding the button down the car will infact apply all 4 brakes and stop you VERY quickly in a very controlled manor.Now i just need a clean pair of boxers.lol...

[Adrian44]

Nick,

Glad to know it works and thanks for making me laugh out loud!!!

[T4-V6]

I womdered the samethink so snow was the ideal time to try, seems to apply the handbrake at a few possible 5 mph or maybe even less, nothing too worrying though

[muggysnr]

I've read that at speed to get the handbrake to work you have to hold the button in for a couple of seconds

[lumox]

Has anyone had the presence of mind to use the handbrake button in an 'emergency'?

In that situation, I'm sure my knuckles would be white from gripping the wheel, elbows locked and foot rammed on the brake pedal.
The last thing crossing my mind would be to take one hand off the wheel, press the handbrake button and wait for a few seconds!

Going back to braking distances - what distance should you leave if the car in front has a handbrake button???

[tommyweaves]

In that situation, I'm sure my knuckles would be white from gripping the wheel, elbows locked and foot rammed on the brake pedal.
The last thing crossing my mind would be to take one hand off the wheel, press the handbrake button and wait for a few seconds!

It should be the last thing on your mind when doing an emergency stop. It's when you find pressing the brake pedal doesn't work that you'll miraculously find the presence of mind to press the handbrake button hard enough to put it straight through the dashboard.

I doubt anyone who needs to stop in a hurry is going to think "mmmmm.......I wonder if now is a good time to try that handbrake trick!"

P.S. Don't lock your elbows