Handbrake question

[fender22]

Just wondering if anyone can help re the specific way the handbrake works?
I know it acts on the transmission but wondering if it can be used for a gradual stop or if it just locks the transmission up.

My daughter is learning to drive and I usually have a hand on the handbrake for emergencies. But then I thought, if I did have to yank on the hand brake would we go through the front window! Can it be used for hill starts etc?

[bee utey]

In my experience using the transmission hand brake at anything other than stationary is unwise as it can shudder wildly and possibly break driveline components. Of course it depends on how true the drum is. It is just a species of drum brake with all the inherent design issues, such as out-of-round, shoe wear, heat build-up etc..

Using it for hill starts should not be a problem

[dullbird]

I learnt to drive in a 90....

take her some place quiet and only start of in low so she gets a feel of going through all the gears etc..

once she gets used to driving a big car would be no need to yank on the handbrake I reckon

No problem for hill starts either as long as your handbrake is adjusted well enough that it will actually hold on a hill :D