parking brake

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Explanation of "Parking Brake"

Definition:
A parking brake is a special brake in a vehicle that is used to keep the car in place when it is parked. It is usually operated by hand and helps prevent the car from rolling away.

Usage Instructions:

1. How to Use:

   • When you park your car, after putting it in "Park" (if it's an automatic) or in gear (if it's a manual), you pull the parking brake lever or push the parking brake button to engage it.
   • To release it, you either push the button or pull the lever again, depending on the type of parking brake.

2. When to Use:

   • Always use the parking brake when you park on a hill or incline to ensure the car stays in place.
   • It's a good practice to use it every time you park, regardless of the surface.

Example:

• "After I parked the car, I pulled the parking brake to make sure it wouldn't roll down the hill."

Advanced Usage:

• In some vehicles, the parking brake may be electronic, meaning you push a button instead of pulling a lever.
• Some drivers may refer to the parking brake as an "emergency brake," but it's important to note that they serve slightly different purposes.

Word Variants:

• Brake (noun): The general term for a device that slows or stops a vehicle.
• Braking (verb): The act of using brakes to slow down or stop a vehicle.

Different Meaning:

• The term "brake" can also mean to stop or slow down something in a more general context. For example, "You need to brake gently to avoid skidding on wet roads."

Synonyms:

• Handbrake
• Emergency brake (though this term can imply a different function)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Step on the brakes": This means to slow down or stop a vehicle quickly.
• "Put the brakes on": This phrase means to stop or slow down a process or activity.

Academic

Noun

1. a brake operated by hand; usually operates by mechanical linkage

Synonyms

• hand brake
• emergency
• emergency brake