Apologies if this appears a daft question but this is my first automatic after 40 odd years of manual cars. I have had a couple with electric handbrakes before but as the auto box has a 'park' setting, is the handbrake really necessary?
Two of my previous manual cars with electric handbrakes had issues getting stuck on, so if I can avoid using it, is there any issue? RRS HSE Dynamic SDV6 2014

Nemo mortalium omnibus horus sapit

My driveway is a bit sloped, so i use it first, and then put it in P so as not to strain the gearbox --
2010 Defender Puma 90 + BAS remap + Alive IC + Slickshift + Ashcroft ATB rear
2015 Range Rover Sport Supercharged V8 HSE Dynamic



Defender Puma Workshop Manual: https://bit.ly/2zZ1en9
Discovery 4 Workshop Manual: https://bit.ly/2zXrtKO
Range Rover/Sport L320/L322/L494 Workshop Manual: https://bit.ly/2zc58JQ

For years I have never used the handbrake without any problems, until someone told me that just putting it into park engaged a pawl into a slot. This video may make you think again. Also you may have problems with your handbrake mechanism in the future if you don't use it
?t=80

Thanks, I suspected it was some device like this. Trouble is I am biased against the electric brake based on previous experiences of it locking up, once on a level car park. Two different cars, but both Volvos.

I think I'll use it on slopes and not bother on the level. Fully agree that anything mechanical benefits from a bit of use, but that presumes reliability in the first place. RRS HSE Dynamic SDV6 2014

Nemo mortalium omnibus horus sapit

Am i missing something.... Doesn't the electronic parking brake activate automatically anyway?  Now
-----------------------
2022 SVR
2021 Bentley Continental GT
2020 Defender 110
2022 Defender 90 V8
Plus 16 other toys!

Not on my model. Will release automatically, but can only be applied via the switch, according to the manual. RRS HSE Dynamic SDV6 2014

Nemo mortalium omnibus horus sapit

Mine's does not engage automatically. Just checked

richamartin wrote:

Am i missing something.... Doesn't the electronic parking brake activate automatically anyway?

I'm of the opinion that if you don't use it regularly you are asking for trouble,, dirt / brake dust are the big enemy off these systems and your going to get both of them whether you apply the brake or not. Do you think that after not using it for 12 months it's going to be perfect when the MOT tester try's it.. I use mine all the time, but I have the rear brakes cleaned and adjusted correctly at the annual service,,,, never been a problem since. 2010 RRS, TDV8
bali Blue / colour coded
side steps / flappy paddles
black perforated leather
22" overfinch
heated everything, TV,fridge ...... now with gold calipers and mud flaps !( black mud flaps that is) !!
Many years ago,,,,, 1955 series 1 landie , sometimes wish I had kept it

Absolutely, use it or lose it  Joined the X5 45e club
1994 Defender 90 300 tdi

My MY17 automatically engages the handbrake when in Park and I am sure my previous MY13 Evoque was also engaging the handbrake in Park MY17 RRS 4.4d V8 Autobiography - Aintree Green (also referred to on Topix as British Racing Green)

my 2020 SVR automatically engages  2020 Range Rover Sport SVR 5.0L V8 Supercharged

You can change the settings in the CCF files to either have the park brake apply automatically or manually.

Cheers
Col

From (very expensive) personal experience I would say absolutely leave the thing well alone.
I've run automatics for 20 years and have never once used (or needed) a handbrake.

When I bought the RRS I read all the advice online about "use it or lose it" so I used it religiously, junctions, overnight, everyithing.
I bought a car with a receipt for a new actuator just a few months earlier so thought I'd be golden.

A couple of months after purchase, leaving the cinema at Midnight.... screech, failed to release. found the emergency cable and yanked on it... nothing.
Cue getting dragged onto a recovery truck and (eventually) having to grind off one of the handbrake cables and a £700 bill to replace the whole system AGAIN.

I now pay the mechanic an hours labour each year at MOT time to strip and clean the system so that it works on that day, after that I leave it alone. I even keep a little piece of cardboard in the glovebox to tape over the button if anyone else drives it!

So long as the EPB is checked, cleaned and adjusted correctly at each service (and more frequently if used off road), there shouldn't be a problem with it. What causes problems is poor servicing and lack of cleaning/adjusting the mechanism. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed