Re: Braking in New Handbrake shoes and Disks

Mar 11, 2005 3 Replies


> I am not a good source of discussion on using the parking brake as a


>> hill holder because I can safely say that I never do that. I am sure I
>> have done it a time or two while playing in my car, but I do not make it >> a practice.
>
> It's the recognised way of doing a hill start - as taught in the UK. Do it
> any other way and you'd fail your driving test.
>

The only rule we have is that the vehicle can't roll backwards. I can start on a hill without rolling backwards and without using the parking brake as a hill holder.


> > Its use as an emergency brake became redundant after dual circuit
>> > brakes came in.
>> >
>> > With an auto, the problem is not great. But with a manual, doing hill
>> > starts on a steep hill would be a real pain.
>
>> Only for people that don't know how to drive.
>
> I'd dispute that. 'Heel and toeing' isn't for everyone, and isn't
> practical on some vehicles. Or for some with small feet, etc.
>

Did I say one word about heel & toe driving? No.


> As I said, I never use the parking brake as a hill holder.
>
> Fine. You'll not find any authority on save driving who agrees with you.
> And you're tacitly admitting the BMW handbrake isn't up to it.
>

I am admitting nothing of the sort. Indeed, I have repeatedly said that the parking brake is well suited to keep a stationary car stationary. That is all it is good for. If yo have to use to as a hill holder, it should work well. I don't need that kind of crutch.

I'm not quite sure how you can start a manual on a steep hill - without rolling back - and without either the handbrake or heel and toeing?

If conditions are right, it's quite possible. If some thing is not (e.g. slightly slippery pedal) then it's a crapshot.

I suppose with many modern cars that control the idle via a stepping motor etc it won't stall if you let up the clutch while holding it on the footbrake, but it still goes against best driving practice to me.

Of course, I learned to drive in a 28 bhp sidevalve Morris Minor, and such tricks were not an option. ;-) Indeed, my hill start during my driving test was on a 1 in 3 hill, where the car wouldn't pull anything above 1st gear.

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