Automatic owners - do you also use parking brake?

[theclass]

Hi All

I have a 2011 Auto E250 with the foot operated parking brake, I'm in the habit of always using the parking brake when I've parked the car, the salesperson however had advised just putting it into Park is enough..

Any thoughts?

 

[renault12ts]

What does a salesman know? Use the brake...it's cheaper than the gearbox.

 

[Monkeylegend]

Never used mine for parking on my 3 E classes, never had an issue.

I have been advised to put it on about once every few months and gently drive the car forward and back a few yards with it on to clean the drum part of the rear disc to stop it seizing up.

 

[ShinyF1]

I don't, but the wife does. So best of both worlds

 

[dad4geer]

I never did...maybe if I am parked on a slope/ramp I will do it but so far I have not used it at all..

 

[Yugguy]

Since reading about them seizing and failing MOTs I have got into the habit of using it. It didn't help that the missus whinged about the little rock it does when it settles into P.

 

[geraldrobins]

I generally use it especially if on a slope. I was taught this when learning to drive and I also use indicators!!! I have read it doesn't harm the gearbox if left in P only.

 

[theclass]

It got me thinking as my foot brake mechanism had to be replaced (luckily under approved used warranty), when releasing it the light was not going off, my thoughts were I will only use it sparingly if its not really needed on level ground.

 

[dad4geer]

Never used mine for parking on my 3 E classes, never had an issue.

I have been advised to put it on about once every few months and gently drive the car forward and back a few yards with it on to clean the drum part of the rear disc to stop it seizing up.

Damn it, I didn't know about that!

 

[renault12ts]

You guys are so...lazy.

 

[Major774]

Only on slopes for me.

 

[trapperjohn]

You guys are so...lazy.

But I have an automatic gearbox because I am, err.... lazy.

 

[Chrishazle]

Likewise, only on slopes for me too!

 

[Deleted member 113659]

Never use mine either. :bannana:

 

[theclass]

Hmm, after reading this thread:
Do you use the handbrake in an automatic car? - Page 3 - General Gassing - PistonHeads

May start using mine

 

[Tiim533]

I always use mine... it's never occurred to me not to, but I've only been driving an automatic for 14 months.

Says something about a "pawl" on this though:
https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/why-you-should-always-set-the-parking-brake

 

[Benzowner]

I don't think Mercedes would fit one unless it was meant to be used. Always use mine, even though my little B has a hand brake lol

 

[MicB]

Always.......use it or lose it mind set.

Truth is that it is not much more useful than a chocolate fireguard........certainly would not hold my SL on a steep slope without P assistance.

Mic

 

[french]

I had a pawl break on me years ago in a Jaguar XJ40, the car rolled forward as I put it into park...I use the brake now...on the older Mercs the release handle had a much more "substantial" feel to it, the E class 211 is thin & feels brittle up to the old W126 380/420se cars

 

[markjay]

Never used mine for parking on my 3 E classes, never had an issue..

I am aware that this is common practice, but I think that this is also technically illegal.

I have been advised to put it on about once every few months and gently drive the car forward and back a few yards with it on to clean the drum part of the rear disc to stop it seizing up.

Interestingly this was the official advice given in my Vauxhall Omega owners manual, but I don't recall seeing it in the Mercedes manual.