Parking brake in cold temps

[jeremy44]

Hey guys
Just want to get some feedback or advice. Since I have to park my car at the parking lot overnight on my university's lot, it is exposed to the elements.
Once winter comes and colder temps (below -10C) hits, do you think it is safe to engage the parking brake (e-brake)?

Since I live in the school's residence, I have to park my car out in the open of the parking lot.
I've read online the parking brake can freeze and not dis-engage if it gets too cold.

 

[bamirault]

I've read online the parking brake can freeze and not dis-engage if it gets too cold.

It's true for Ottawa. I don't use my hand brake in winter for that reason. Put your automatic in park and your manual in top gear/reverse depending on facing up/down hill.

Brian

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

I use it all winter without issue. I believe that you either never touch it, or use it daily.

if you use it once a week, that is when you will have problems.

 

[Applauso]

It's true for Ottawa. I don't use my hand brake in winter for that reason. Put your automatic in park and your manual in top gear/reverse depending on facing up/down hill.

Brian

Do you mean first gear - not Top gear being 6th?

 

[Mistersix]

I use my e-brake every time i park it in the winter. sometimes it does stick but it always breaks free.

 

[Nodnerb]

I always use my parking brake in all of my vehicles and have never even had it stick unless it was just washed perhaps. -10 isn't terribly cold so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[bamirault]

Do you mean first gear - not Top gear being 6th?

No, I really mean top gear - in this case it would be 6th. This is the gear which from standing is the most difficult for the car to roll forward on its own. Try pulling away with a manual from stop in 6th gear. You stall out and that's just what I want when I walk away from the car with the parking brake not set.

Brian

 

[GAXIBM]

No, I really mean top gear - in this case it would be 6th. This is the gear which from standing is the most difficult for the car to roll forward on its own. Try pulling away with a manual from stop in 6th gear. You stall out and that's just what I want when I walk away from the car with the parking brake not set.

Brian

You are correct that in 6th gear the engine has the least amount of torque applied to the car and the engine can not move the car from a stop. However, you need the opposite to keep the car stopped. You want the opposite effect where the stopped engine has the most torque effect on the car so that the car will be unable to turn over the engine on a slight slope. Leaving your car in 6th gear without setting the brake is very dangerous. If you don't believe it, park your car on a steep slope and put it in 6th and watch it roll, try it in 1st and it will be much harder for it to roll.

 

[bamirault]

If you don't believe it, park your car on a steep slope and put it in 6th and watch it roll, try it in 1st and it will be much harder for it to roll.

It may be months before I am in a position to do so, but your argument has caught my interest. I WILL give it a try. My CX-5 is the auto. My MX-5 is in storage until spring.

Brian

 

[Nodnerb]

1st gear will be the most secure. 6th gear will have the least resistance as gaxibm said.
Its best to leave it in second though because there is less chance of the car lerching forward if someone forgets its in gear and dumps the clutch.

 

[Mistersix]

I always use my parking brake in all of my vehicles and have never even had it stick unless it was just washed perhaps. -10 isn't terribly cold so I wouldn't worry about it.

Yes, very true. My usually sticks when parking after have driven in the rain and cold temps during the night.