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Are Gas Caps Universal?

Written by Writers in Auto Parts,Cars

Are Gas Caps Universal

Almost every car on the road uses gas to fuel the engine and make the car move (electric cars are the exception). Every car is a fuel tank, and the entry point that all cars have is a gas cap. But, the gas cap is a flimsy piece on the vehicle and can be easily lost if not properly taken care of. If that happens, how difficult might it be to replace it?

There are different types of gas caps, ranging from slow-release to cap-less. However, the gas caps for all types of vehicles are replaceable; some gas caps fit many manufacturers’ gas tanks.

Now that you know, you may be thinking that you can plug and replace a gas cap for a lost one on your vehicle. While that is true, plenty of complications come with trying to replace a lost or damaged gas cap. Plus, gas caps are so much more than a piece of plastic that stops gas from leaving the gas tank.

The Purpose of a Gas Cap    

Fuel Fill Inlet Closeup gas cap

Gas caps are a small part of the vehicle but have more functions than you may realize at first. Obviously, the gas cap is essential to keep the gas inside the gas tank. It is the stopper for gas leaking out of the tank through the fill hole. But there are more functions than that.

Another purpose is to keep other outside elements from entering the gas tank. If fuel is mixed with other liquids or debris, then there can be dire consequences. While most vehicles are also equipped with a little door on a hinge that covers the gas cap and fills the hole, the gas cap acts as a last line of defense to prevent outside elements from coming inside.

A gas cap’s additional purpose is something you may not even realize. Gas caps are essential to a car’s fuel efficiency.

Without a gas cap, gas vapors leave the tank and go into the atmosphere. This damages the atmosphere and takes away from the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The less gas in the tank being used by the vehicle means the vehicle loses its fuel efficiency.

This can be a huge difference for vehicles in their ability to be as fuel-efficient as possible. If your gas cap is damaged or not even in use, a car could lose up to 30 gallons of gas per year, which can translate up to hundreds of dollars a year for people.

The Gas Cap Evolution

The tiniest of plastic on a vehicle may not seem like a modern marvel, but the evolution of the gas cap has quite a history. The year to keep in mind for big gas cap changes is the year 1970. That year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started to enforce a new vehicle emissions policy.

The EPA had done some studying of ground-level ozone layers and realized that the cause of the damage to the ozone layers was fuel vapors. Therefore, they implemented changes that would directly affect fuel vapors and tried to change the course. Congress implemented the first Clean Air Act. The first Clean Air Act called for a reduction in auto air emissions by 90% by the year 1976.

In 1971, all licensed vehicles in the United States had to have evaporative controls built into their fuel systems. The first measure: is the gas cap. The cap helped prevent gas from spilling out of the tank. Along with that, cars also started to use charcoal canisters to control vapors and reduce emissions into the atmosphere.

As time went on, the fuel vapor controlling measures tightened up, and by the mid-1990s, fuel vapor controls were more than 50 times those in 1971.

Another historical point in the gas cap history is the Onboard Diagnostics System (OBD) invention. This system was invented in line with the changing rules about fuel efficiency and gas vapor emissions. The OBD System was built into the cars themselves as a way to track and monitor how well the engine is performing along with other systems in the vehicle.

In 1990, the Clean Air Act called for new systems of Onboard Diagnostics called OBD II. OBD II was designed to help test the fuel system by pressurizing it or applying a vacuum. Then, it would measure even the slightest changes that could be a sign of leakage and the potential loss of fuel vapors.

All of these new measures were put into place to save the environment, but they also saved people money. Earlier, the article mentioned that people with faulty gas caps lose about 30 gallons of gas per year. Over the entire country, though, roughly 17% of vehicles on the road had faulty or missing gas caps at the turn of the century.

That figure, calculated by the Chicago Tribune, roughly translates to Americans wasting over 9 million barrels of crude oil and losing over $220 million in one year.

The Different Versions of Gas Caps

While gas caps all look about the same in modern times, there have been a few subtle changes to the gas cap that are significant. The first and most noticeable is the plastic part of the cap that is inserted into the tank.

Prongs to Spirals

For older vehicles, their gas caps may look like two plastic prongs. This was a primitive measure to try and keep vapors from being released into the atmosphere. Nowadays, gas caps are more tubular, with spiraling threads to ensure as tight of a seal as possible.

Cork & Cloth to Synthetic Sealants

The sealing materials have also changed with time. Initially, cork or cloth gaskets were used to ensure the seal was fitted with the gas cap. But, because of wear and tear plus chemical reactions, those types of materials tended to default over time.

In modern times, materials like neoprene or polyurethane are used with better resistance measures to ensure a tight seal.

Tighter Seals

Also changed from previous times is the amount of times you have to turn the gas cap in order for a tight seal to be ensured.

Previously, people would have to turn the cap until the sound of clicking was heard, therefore indicating a tight seal. Now, most modern gas caps require a simple 1/8 turn to hear one click and ensure a tight seal.

Slow Release Feature

Another new feature on gas caps is the slow-release feature. Some gas caps have a warning label on them, stating, “open slowly.” This is to ensure that vapors are released slowly and not in a sudden poof. This is especially important on warmer days because gas is more susceptible to being turned into vapors.

Gas Cap Keys

Also, versions of gas caps can be locked with a key. These gas caps do not typically come with a new vehicle and are usually replacement gas caps. They work just like any key entry, put the gas cap on, tighten until the clicks sound, and then lock it with the key.

Cap-Less Gas Caps

For those driving brand new vehicles, usually a 2019 model or newer, you may find that there is not even a cap anymore when you open the gas valve. This is the newest version of the gas cap, the cap-less gas cap.

The new cap-less gas cap eliminates all the hassles of turning, taking off, and putting on the old gas cap. This can be useful if a person has arthritis and has trouble taking off and putting on a gas cap. It is also helpful in keeping the stench of gas from coming in contact with your skin or clothing and ruining the inside materials in your vehicle.

The way it works, the cap-less gas cap, is it acts as a trap door. When you put the fuel nozzle into the trap door, the sides swing open, allowing the nozzle to go directly into the gas tank and fuel up.

It also prevents anyone from attempting to siphon gas out of your vehicle. This is because the cap-less gas cap uses a fuel-filler neck that prevents someone from shoving a garden hose or other plastic pipe into the gas tank and taking out the gas.

There are negatives associated with the cap-less gas cap, though. While there may be less gas smell on your person after filling up, the cap-less gas cap system actually increases the smell of gas inside your vehicle.

Other negatives involve crisis situations. If there comes a time you need to fill up your tank from a gas canister, you will need to use the specialty-made funnel provided by the vehicle’s seller. This can also create a gas smell in your vehicle after use.

The other negative situation where a cap-less gas cap may be negative is when you do need to siphon your own vehicle (for fuel for an emergency fire or generator). There is no way to get the fuel out of your own vehicle to use it in other ways.

When Should You Replace Your Gas Cap?  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcK9ejiHBSU

Gas caps seem like a part of the vehicle that never really needs to be replaced, but they actually do have a mileage limit before wear and tear typically breaks them down. Depending on the brand, the time to start thinking about changing the gas cap on your vehicle is usually around the 50,000-mile range.

How to Tell if Your Gas Cap is Faulty?    

 Now that you know when to potentially change your gas cap, how do you actually tell if it does need to be changed? There are several factors that can point to a new gas cap being needed on your vehicle.

The first indicator would be your check engine light illuminating. While this could indicate that your gas cap simply is not tight enough, it could also show that your gas cap is faulty and your vehicle is losing fuel efficiency. The best way to check would be to either take your vehicle to a mechanic or an auto-body store, where most will run an electronic test to determine the vehicle’s issue.

Another way to tell if your gas cap is faulty is to do a self-evaluation of it. Simply inspect the gas cap and look to see if there are any cracks in the filler neck (the plastic part of the gas cap). Also, check the threads and make sure they are not worn down, therefore creating a loose connection once reattached to the tank. The seal is another part of the gas cap that needs to be inspected.

An expensive way to tell if your gas cap is faulty is during a state inspection. Gas caps are now becoming a part of the yearly inspection required by every state to determine if the vehicle is safe enough to be on the road. Vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency are two factors that are directly impacted by having a faulty gas cap.

Using your senses can also be a good way to tell if your gas cap is faulty. If there is a potent gasoline smell in your vehicle, your gas cap may have cracks or faults in the filler neck. This is because the cracks in the filler neck might allow fuel vapors to leak and be released into the air.

Can You Drive Without a Gas Cap?      

Driving your vehicle with a piece of it missing may seem confusing or scary. And even such a small piece as a gas cap can make a difference in how the vehicle drives and performs. But if you have to, you can temporarily drive without a gas cap.

For most cars, a gas cap can trigger a check engine light if it is not properly put on and locked into place. But the problem is a check engine light does not specifically point to which part of the vehicle is the problem.

Therefore, you may have to take the vehicle into the shop to get it checked out, which could cost you hundreds of dollars for as simple of a solution as tightening your gas cap.

The danger of driving without a gas cap is the chance of vapors and gas coming out. Special valves are built on newer vehicles that gas from spilling out of the tank. If you need to drive for a little while, there’s little chance of damage that may occur.

Replace your gas cap as soon as possible, though. It is important for environmental safety and to prevent loss of fuel. In very hot situations, there’s even a chance of fire or explosion if gas or vapors are leaking out.  

Cost of Replacing a Gas Cap     

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Replacement gas caps generally fit a wide range of vehicles, but not all. Check carefully to ensure a gas cap will fit your vehicle before purchase.

Gas caps are essential to the vehicle and ensure it runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. But if you lose your gas cap or if it becomes damaged, you should find a replacement and do it as quickly as possible.

But where do you find new gas caps? Depending on the dire situation, there are plenty of places to find one.

If you are in a pinch, say on a road trip, and your gas cap becomes damaged or lost, some of the chain gas stations (Sheetz, Exxon, 7-Eleven, etc.) might carry gas caps in their stores.

Don’t use a rag to stop fuel from spilling out. This can increase fire danger, so it’s likely better not to use anything and get a replacement ASAP.

If you are at home and you lose your gas cap, taking your car to your dealership or mechanic could be expensive, depending on whether your mechanic will have to do an entire vehicle inspection. But you will have peace of mind knowing that a professional is replacing the part and doing it properly.

Your local Walmart, or another box-chain store with an automobile section should also carry a wide selection of different gas caps for your vehicle. Also, stores like Napa Auto Parts, Pepboys, or Autozone also will carry gas caps and have employees who have the knowledge to show you which ones are the best for your type of vehicle.

One thing to look for when replacing a gas cap, besides just the overall price, is that the gas cap actually fits with your vehicle. The easiest way to determine this is to try to tighten the new gas cap in the tank, and if it does not click, it does not fit. The check engine light should also be an indicator as to whether the new gas cap fits as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk3RLAEhIck

Conclusion

So, in the end, gas caps serve a more purposeful role in the vehicle than many people realize. They are intended to help ensure the vehicle is as fuel-efficient as possible while keeping harmful fuel vapors from being released into the atmosphere.

Gas caps have come a long way, with the EPA in 1970 really pushing for changes to the atmosphere and changing vehicles’ impact on the environment. As time evolved, gas caps have become more technologically advanced, even to the point where they are no longer needed on vehicles.

Always be sure to check your gas cap consistently to make sure there are no cracks or damage to the filler neck. And if your check engine light comes on, it could be as simple of a fix as replacing your gas cap.

Sources:

https://itstillruns.com/can-transport-gas-cans-safely-5903913.html

http://knowhow.napaonline.com/know-notes-need-check-gas-cap/

http://www.stant.com/index.php/english/products/consumer-products/caps/evolution-fuel-cap/

https://www.autozone.com/fuel-delivery/fuel-cap?cmpid=PSA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:BLH:1700000387

https://www.napaonline.com/en/search/fuel-emissions/gas-caps

https://www.walmart.com/browse/auto-tires/fuel-caps/91083_1074765_1559214

https://motorad.com/why-you-shouldnt-wait-to-replace-your-standard-fuel-caps/

https://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/08/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-gas-cap/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-04-30-0104300215-story.html

So What’s the Deal with Bright Fog Lights?

Written by Writers in Cars

Bright Fog Lights

In recent years, most drivers have noticed a trend when it comes to car design and add-ons. Fog lights and headlights have become increasingly bright, often to the point of eliciting complaints from people whose eyes begin to hurt when they see oncoming cars approach them.

Bright fog lights became popular after studies revealed that increased visibility reduces the chances of car accidents. Though bright, they are angled in a way that decreases reflection, making them capable of use in extreme conditions.

If you’ve been wondering why so many cars are now equipped with bright fog lights, or just wanted to know why they work so well in severe weather, don’t worry. Just keep reading, and everything will be clear soon enough.

So What’s the Deal with Bright Fog Lights?

It’s essential to recognize that headlights and fog lights aren’t the same thing. Headlights are made for everyday use. Fog lights are designed to be used in weather like fog, rain, and snow. Fog lights are intended to be used for additional safety measures rather than as a baseline for sight.

When designed correctly, bright fog lights will not blind drivers that are driving toward your car. However, they can still be somewhat annoying.

What Makes Fog Lights So Good in Fog?

The big difference between fog lights and headlights is their brightness and the way they’re angles. Headlights aren’t as bright and are designed to face straight on. Fog lights are angled slightly downward, which makes them less likely to blind others. 

They’re also intended to work on the street—and only the street. As a result of their round, channeled build, the light will not spread to nearby sidewalks or yards the way that regular driving lights do.

Why Are Fog Lights Angled?

Fog lights aren’t just angled to prevent blinding drivers of oncoming cars; other reasons matter just as much. The reason why fog lights are positioned the way they are is that the chosen angle is less likely to reflect water droplets. 

Do All Fog Lights Have to Be Yellow?

Yellow used to be used in fog light creation because it was believed that yellow light waves have a longer reach. However, that belief has been somewhat disproved—once you add color, the light waves become shorter, according to Onyxlights (if only a little).  However, the jury is still out.  You can find plenty of arguments why yellow might not be as bright but is better on the eyes, like here.  

You can now find fog lights in almost any bright hue.  But not all colors are legal everywhere, as you can see in this interview with an officer.

How Are You Supposed to Use Fog Lights?

Fog Lights Can Work In fog rain snow

It’s often believed that you should use fog lights whenever you need a very bright light in front of your car. However, this isn’t true. These lights are meant to maximize visibility in specific situations using precise methods. Here’s what you should know:

  • Fog lights are primarily designed for dense fog, rain, and snow.  Their anti-reflective properties help the thousands of little water droplets that are suspended in the air. If you are using fog lights on a dry day, you’re just wasting light.  
  • It doesn’t make sense to use both fog lights and headlights in many cases. This can negate the anti-reflective properties that make bright fog lights useful.
    • Therefore, many modern cars now require you to use both at the same time. Whether this is due to a need for higher visibility, bad engineering practices, or because optics have been accounted for depends on the vehicle.
  • The angle of your fog lamps makes a difference. A car with poorly angled fog lamps means that you won’t get much use out of your fog lighting at all. If you still notice glare while using your fog lamps, consider switching to low-beam headlamps instead.
  • Fog lights can also be used as a visibility booster on darkly-lit roads. If you find yourself in a pitch-black street during a clear night, using your fog lights can help prevent an accident and increase road visibility. 

This video shows how you can turn them on if you haven’t used them before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghDBsC_Wr1I

Can I Use Fog Lights to Make Myself More Visible to Others?

If you’re worried about others being unable to see you, you probably have considered turning on your fog lights to signal that you’re there. Believe it or not, this isn’t the best option. When it comes to alerting drivers of your existence, using your headlights is still the best route. 

What’s Fog Lamp Etiquette?

Much like with other aspects of driving, part of knowing how to be a good driver is knowing the unwritten and unspoken rules. Fog lamps have their own code of proper use, some of which have been codified into local laws. Good rules to follow include:

  • Try to avoid using them around high-traffic areas if possible. While fog lights won’t usually blind others, having their brightness catch your eyes can be painful. Many drivers believe it to be rude. Check to make sure they’re not on while you’re driving, if only as a courtesy to other drivers.
  • Drive slowly when you have fog lights on. Since they’re meant for inclement weather, fog lights are best used at slow speeds. 
  • Some municipalities have rules against using fog lights in non-foggy weather. Because bright fog lights can be a nuisance, some towns now have laws that bar people from using them when they’re not in inclement weather. Though rarely enforced, it’s still good to know. 

Are Fog Lights Necessary?

It all depends on what you deem necessary. In many cases, the use of high beams or low-beam headlights can give you the same results as using fog lights. This is especially true if your car won’t let you use your fog lights alone.

Usually, low beams work best. Many high beams don’t penetrate the fog too well. Fog lights are preferred by some who deal with low-light situations frequently. 

Most drivers feel a little more comfortable knowing that they have those extra lights to fall back on. That’s why they are considered a popular feature and why many people insist on having them.

But if you don’t have fog lights, you can still be safe on the road by following safe driving practices. In this video, you’ll see some ways to stay safe without fog lights.

https://youtu.be/vg9FDZxERgs

Are Fog Lights Starting to Disappear?

Though fog lights are still a reasonably popular safety feature, people are beginning to get tired of them. More specifically, top luxury auto manufacturers like Audi, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, and Genesis have all been working on phasing them out of use.

Black Mercedes Benz Vehicle

According to the manufacturers, the reason why they are choosing to get rid of fog lights deals with their new headlight technology. Modern headlamps are now capable of reducing glare, providing higher visibility, and sometimes even adjusting based on the weather. 

Because new headlights can do it all, there’s no reason to keep fog lights—unless it’s a matter of aesthetics, anyway.

Conclusion

If you were wondering what’s going on with the new focus on bright headlights, the truth is that it is part of the increased focus on car safety. Since people recognize that more visibility means more safety, fog lights have become brighter and more widely used.

However, there’s a caveat that you should be aware of. While fog lights can help in inclement weather or particularly dark roads, they aren’t meant to be used in conjunction with headlights. This makes them work poorly for anti-glare purposes, thereby defeating the purpose of their use.

If you want to stay safe, pay attention to local laws, and limit yourself to using your fog lights during inclement weather. It’s the best way to ensure you have maximum visibility and keep yourself from getting ticketed.

Do Tail Lights Need a Relay?

Written by Writers in Auto Parts,Cars,Uncategorized

Do Tail Lights Need a Relay

Taillights are an essential part of your vehicle, and, to keep you obeying the law, you must ensure that they are always working properly. Tail lights for cars can be a very complex system when you are first exposed to them, but rest assured, the makeup and function of the parts in a taillight are quite simple.

The vast majority of the cars on the market need a relay. A relay is required for your own convenience so that it makes it easier to automate the process of turning on your tail lights instead of having to do it manually.

The tail lights of your car allow people to see you easily at all times. Tail lights at night ensure that other people can see you more easily and hopefully avoid the dark, rear-end, or your vehicle. More crucial information is provided in the rest of this article that improves your understanding of tail lights and why they need a relay in order to improve your safety while on the road. 

Why do You Need a Relay?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cstcL0to90Y

Tail light relays are a vital part of any car on the road. Relays take out a manual aspect, or possibility for human error, in an electrical process. Tail light relays are linked to the headlight system of your car. Most modern cars have an automated system that turns headlights on and off in certain situations, such as:

  • Nighttime
  • Rainy or stormy weather
  • Foggy 
  • Driving through a dimly lit parking garage
  • Driving through a dimly lit tunnel
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In these situations, you would want your headlights on so that you can easily see where you are going. You would also want other people to be able to see you. Tail light relays offer a bit of automation that makes your life easier and safer. 

That’s why it is important to make sure your tail lights are working, not just when you press the brake pedal, but when it is dark so other cars can clearly see you. 

Tail lights, with a relay system, turn on when your headlights are turned on, giving you the maximum amount of visibility for yourself and for other people around you. 

Which, as any driver could attest to, is what you want when being out on the road. You want to be as easily seen by other drivers as possible in order to not get into a crash.

Human Error Reduction

If you were to turn on your headlights and tail lights by pressing a button, lever, or switch, it would add a human error factor. You could easily forget to turn them on because:

  • You forget to activate them 
  • You think they are on, but they are not
  • You press the wrong button

You cannot easily see the rear of your car without getting out of your vehicle, which makes knowing, with absolute certainty, whether or not your tail lights are on quite impossible. 

A relay helps take the human error possibility out of the situation entirely. When you turn on your headlights, you typically do it because it is hard for you to see.

Using that logic, it may be hard for other people to see as well. You would want to make yourself as visible as possible in order to mitigate, as much as possible, the chances of someone else not being able to see you. 

Tail Light Problems

Make sure to check your tail lights once in a while with the help of another person to ensure accuracy. You might also be able to back up against a wall or garage and check how the tail lights are operating when you press on the brake and turn on the lights. 

If you encounter a problem with your tail light, you can replace it or troubleshoot the relay, as seen in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWmt6gorzUg

The Legality of Tail lights

Tail lights are so important that they are mandated by multiple laws in the United States. The specifics of the laws differ from state to state, but federally, tail lights on vehicles are required.

Specifically, you must have at least two tail lights active when your headlights are on when operating a vehicle. 

“Florida Statute 316.221 uses the term “tail lamps” rather than “tail lights and requires that every vehicle have at least two “tail lamps” on the rear. Case law sometimes uses the term “tail lights.” It seems clear that these are two red lights in the rear of the vehicle that remain lit when the vehicle’s lights are on.” Source: Christopher R. White 

When looking at this law says when your headlights are on, you must have your tail lights active as well. This is the perfect situation where a relay device would be applicable.

The relay helps drivers become more visible to pedestrians and drivers who are around them.  They help the driver obey the law so as not to have to go through the hassle of paying a ticket.

Tail Light Statistics

For something like a tail light to be mandatory by law, you would think that there was solid evidence that tail lights would reduce rear-end car crashes. As statistics show, since the implementation of the third brake light during the late 1980s, rear-end car collisions still account for roughly 40% of all road collisions in the United States.

President Ronald Reagan hoped that the added high-mounted tail light would reduce the amount of rear-end collisions that occurred in the United States. In theory, it made sense to mandate the third tail light. However, the contrary would seem to be the truth.

“Rear-end injury accidents also increased, from 24.9 percent of all crashes to 28.7 percent, according to the NHTSA. Likewise, rear-end property damage-only collisions increased from 23.5 to 29 percent, and the percentage of rear-end accidents jumped from 23.8 to 28.8 percent.” Source: Mary Chapman at the Chicago Tribune

These statistics may lead you to think that the third tail light does not matter and actually could cause more accidents. These numbers are in percentages, which tell only of the percentage of car accidents, not the total.

Since the implementation of the third real tail light, the total number of rear-end collisions has steadily decreased over the years.

Tail Light Tints

As you are driving down the road, you may see some cars that have tints on their tail lights. Why would someone want to tint their taillights when all they do is help people see you and protect you?

The answer is quite irrational to the average person. People, typically younger guys and car enthusiasts, want their cars to stand out from others on the road. The tint on the cars makes you stand out from other cars on the road and draws attention to you more so than if you had no tints on your tail lights.

Those who use the tail light tints desire to make their car look more like a sports car or add another level of customization that truly makes their car their own. They can also use the tints to identify themselves with a certain cultural group. Some might tint their yellow, green, or blue lights to align themselves with certain groups. 

The added level of customization comes with some consequences. Not only does it potentially reduce your visibility to other drivers, but it could be illegal in your area to use tail lights tints. 

The tinted tail lights make it harder to see your bright red lights at night since the tint reduces their illumination factor. The reduced illumination factor makes it harder for people to see the rear of your car in times when light visibility is reduced. 

This is also why taillight tints are illegal in certain states. The exact laws and level of tint vary from state to state, making it hard when traveling between states and your car has taillight tints. 

Will it be worth it to sacrifice the added safety benefits of having fully illuminated tail lights on a relay to ensure that they are always on and bright, or reduce the illumination for the sake of customization? The choice ultimately falls in the hands of the car’s owner.

Are Cars Safe To Drive With Battery Light On?

Written by Writers in Auto Engines,Cars

Drive with Battery Light On

You have five miles left on your journey, and the battery light comes on. Do you pull over immediately? Do you continue to your destination? It can be very difficult to tell the proper course of action when it comes to the safety of yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle — which is a very sizable investment for most drivers.

The battery light comes on when the battery, alternator, or wiring has issues. The engine will still function normally, so technically, it may be safe but not always. The vehicle’s electrical functions may begin to fail, and the battery could cause a major safety issue if it is cracked or leaking.

These issues tend to happen when you least expect them: in the middle or end of a long trip or at a completely random time, making it impossible to really judge what’s going on for yourself. This is why we’re going to cover how to best judge the severity of your battery problem.

Is It Safe to Drive a Car with the Battery Light on?

Car battery and warning light on dashboard

Drivers will not know whether the issue is within the alternator, so power may not be available once the battery is drained. The power windows and radio won’t always lag, and the lights won’t always dim. By relying on common sense alone, it can be impossible to know what’s safe for you and your car.

Because the battery light can mean there is a problem with any area in the battery and charging system, it is very difficult for the average motorist to know exactly what is going on without a trip to the mechanic. 

When the battery comes on when you start your car, you think nothing of it. But when the battery light lingers for a few minutes, you start to worry. There is a middle ground somewhere, but how do you find it?

Generally, it’s best to stop somewhere safe, like a gas station, where you have cell phone reception, and look under the hood to see if there’s a problem with your battery. Continue reading for more information.

What Do I Do If My Battery Light Comes On?

turn off accessories

The first thing you should always do when your battery light comes on is turn off everything non-essential that draws electricity. If you are driving at night, you must turn off everything but the headlights.

The radio, air-conditioning, charging cables, and any other non-essentials must be powered off or unplugged in order to minimize the power that is being drained from a battery that isn’t recharging.

Your battery light may have come on because too many appliances drain power from the battery, especially if you have an older model car. You will know if this is the case within a few minutes of turning off every non-essential.

Please proceed to the troubleshooting section if your battery light remains on after a few minutes.

Troubleshooting When the Battery Light Comes On

Check Battery Terminal

The safest solution is to pull over when your battery light comes on. You can always keep driving, but the question is, for how long? If there is only a mile left to your house, it might be safer to continue. If you have another 20 miles, it is safer to pull over and try and figure out what’s going on. 

Safety is always the name of the game, and sometimes it’s safer to keep driving, and sometimes it’s safer to stop. If you are ever in doubt, pull over and call roadside assistance. 

Pull Over

The first step is to pull over and ensure you have the space you need before opening the hood. Ideally, we would all have traffic cones and a full toolbox in the trunk, but we tend not to prepare for the worst possible scenarios with every drive to and from our homes. 

If you’re on the highway, make sure you have as much space as possible between the car and the start of the road. Get as close to the guard rail or the edge of the road as you can!

Open The Hood

Once you’re safely pulled over, pop the hood open and take a look inside. Because we’re concerned with the battery light, we need to make sure it’s where it’s supposed to be! It might sound crazy, but some car models actually have the battery in the back in a compartment under the trunk. So, ‘open the hood’ could actually become open the trunk!

Make sure you have all the light you need in order to properly see the battery and the terminals and wiring if you’re driving at night. Ideally, a flashlight will be in the trunk or in your car. If not, use the flashlight on your smartphone. Just make sure that you are able to prop up your light source somewhere where it will stay put and where it won’t interfere with the inspection you’re about to do.

Inspect the Battery Terminals

The metal connections protruding from the plastic-cased battery are your terminals. The terminals are the go-between for the battery and the electrical systems in your car. Over time, battery terminals can become corroded and, therefore, less conductive. This can result in your battery light turning on.

Your battery terminals are corroded if a greenish or whitish buildup surrounds them. 

  • If you have a toolbox handy when the light turns on, you can easily clean off the terminals with a wire brush or with the grooves on a pair of pliers.
  • If you are without a toolbox at the time, you might be able to use your shirt to clean off the terminals before starting your car to see if the light is still on.

Inspect the Fuse Box

check fuse box

Like with your battery, your fuse box is most likely under your car’s hood, in your dashboard’s console, or under your steering wheel. It could very well be located somewhere in the trunk as well. Either way, find it. 

  • Remove the cover for the fuse box and examine the fuses.
  • If one or any of them are tripped, reset the switches and try restarting the car. This might end up solving your battery light problem altogether.

If multiple fuses have been tripped — especially the larger fuses, this might be symptomatic of a larger issue that will require special maintenance and might put an end to the trip. Always check to be sure!

Most Common Causes of the Battery Light Turning On

Faulty Alternator Belt

Reason battery light is on

Believe it or not, this is the most common cause of the battery light turning on. Your battery light will either turn on because of an issue with the alternator, the battery itself, or the wiring that connects them, but the alternator belt that drives the alternator is actually the first component that most mechanics check.

The alternator belt is a serpentine belt that curls between multiple wheels like a snake and drives the alternator, which charges your battery. When your alternator belt is improperly made or when it breaks, you will have issues with your battery. 

Mainly, you will get an indication via your battery light. This is the most common cause of your battery indicator illuminating, and it is also one of the least repairable problems that a modern motorist can handle.

If It’s The Alternator, Pull Over and Call a Mechanic

If your alternator belt causes your battery light to illuminate, you won’t be able to fix the problem on your own because you will need professional equipment. You will also likely not be able to access your alternator belt in most modern cars because of the manufacturer’s tendency to cover them in plastic paneling. 

A car from 30 years ago will likely feature an alternator belt that can be examined without removing components, but a more modern car will need to be taken to the mechanic in order to fix it.

Because the most common cause of your battery light turning on probably isn’t fixable to most drivers, you should pull over in all likelihood if you are far from your destination, and you should continue the last mile or two if you are close to your destination.

 It’s a difficult question to answer because the average driver doesn’t know for certain what is causing the light to come on, but because the solution is usually out of reach, it depends on how close or how far the destination is.

Faulty Battery

A faulty or broken battery is probably the problem that most people would assume causes their battery light indicator to illuminate. Think about it: the battery light should be caused by a faulty or broken battery, right? It adds up from a common-sense point of view, but it’s not the most common problem in reality.

Batteries are powered by cells that generate electrons that we call electricity. Car batteries are filled with acid that generates electricity via terminals connected to the wiring in our cars. When the battery breaks or never works properly in the first place, the acid sits in the cells and only weighs your car down instead of doing its job.

A faulty or broken battery will not continue to power your car’s lights, which is a serious problem if you are driving at night. For the most part, if your battery light comes on at night and you have room to pull over, you should. Driving without lights is extremely dangerous, as any driver knows. However, it can also be dangerous to pull over with a battery that will not be able to start your car — given cars need electricity to start.

Should You Pull Over When It’s a Faulty Battery?

If you pull over with your battery light on, plan for the worst-case scenario that your car will not be able to start back up. If you have room to pull over and cell service, it’s a good idea to pull over and try and see what’s wrong before your lights dim and you can no longer see at night.

If you’re driving during the day, it might be a good idea to continue as long as you can, with every unnecessary appliance switched off. Try using the power windows and radio; if they don’t work, your battery is only going to get worse.

The name of the game when driving with a faulty or broken battery is to get yourself to a place where you are able to stop and assess the problem as best you can and where you have cell service. If you can’t tell what’s going on with your battery, you need to call a tow truck and visit a mechanic. Pull over when you can; don’t wait till you’re driving somewhere without any cell service and without anywhere safe to pull over.

It Helps to Know Your Car

If you’re going on a long trip, it is a good idea to find out where your battery and alternator belt are beforehand — because it’s possible for a driver to inspect and even fix those components without professional assistance. It is certainly possible for every driver to find those components if they know where to look and what pieces to remove in order to inspect them.

Faulty Alternator

Most drivers would be surprised to know that the alternator itself breaks less often than the alternator belt or the battery. The alternator is an expensive part that costs anywhere from $100 to $200 and tends to be better made than relatively cheap parts like the alternator belt and the battery, which typically go for far less than the labor costs of installing them.

Mechanics typically assume that the alternator itself is working perfectly, while the belt or the battery are the parts most expected to break. 

The alternator is often buried under metal parts and cannot be assessed as the belt or batter can. A broken alternator is a big-ticket repair that will, without a doubt, require a visit to the mechanic. As with both previous faulty and broken parts, an alternator problem will potentially not allow you to start your car again if you pull over. So, the same advice still applies: pull over if you can do so safely and without the need to quickly start the car back up again.

Corroded Battery Terminals

Corroded battery terminals are likely the easiest problem to fix. This problem is also the simplest area to inspect as the terminals are designed to be accessible so that the average driver can jump-start their car. 

If your battery light indicator comes on and it’s safe to pull over, find your battery and lift any plastic that’s in the way — again, there won’t be much removal because the manufacturer actually wants you to find the terminals. If there is green or white buildup, you’ve got corroded terminals.

This problem is not as common as the previous causes, but as we mentioned, it’s a very simple fix if you have a toolbox in your trunk. Once you’ve pulled over and cleaned off the corrosion, your car should run perfectly again without the battery light turning on. 

Tip: Drivers of older cars should always carry a toolbox with them, as should anyone going on a large trip. A wire brush or any other abrasive tool will clean the terminals. It’s also a good idea to carry a light

Too Many Accessories in Use

While this is far from the most common cause of your battery light illuminating, it’s the simplest fix. Many drivers rely upon their cars to charge their smartphones, and while this only draws a minuscule amount of electricity for most cars — some will not be able to handle the unnecessary drain.

Everything from air conditioning, radio, power windows, windshield wipers,  and the defroster will draw electricity from the battery. If your alternator, battery, and battery cable are working perfectly, too many accessories will probably not be an issue. But if you have a sub-standard connection between your battery and your alternator, using too many unnecessary accessories could cause your battery light to illuminate.

Even though this is the least common cause of the battery light indicator, it is the first check every driver should make when it comes on. 

Make sure that nothing but the engine and your headlights are using electricity, and wait a few minutes to see if anything changes. If your battery light turns off, you’ve all but solved the problem. Unfortunately, there is probably something wrong with your battery, alternator, or wiring.

Luckily, if you are able to get the light to turn off, you’re in the clear for the moment. It’s about reaching your destination or reaching a safe place where you can call a tow truck if you suspect the issue will return. It’s all about safety at the end of the day and pulling over when you know you can. If the battery light comes on, try what you can, THEN pull over when you know you can remain pulled over if you have to.

5 Reasons Cars Need to Be Jump Started (Sometimes)

Written by Writers in Auto Engines,Cars

Cars Need Jump-Started

It’s everybody’s most mundane nightmare—you go out to start your car, and the car doesn’t run. It looks like you need a jump start. It’s a common problem that almost everyone runs into at one point or another after learning to drive. Still, few drivers understand why this happens – unless they also happen to be mechanics. 

The most common reason a car might need to be jump-started is a weak or dead car battery. This is what most drivers run into, especially in cold weather. Other problems that could require a jump start are malfunctions in the starter or alternator, dirty spark plugs, and clogged fuel lines.

Knowing the potential causes of a car not starting can help you determine your next step if this ever happens to you. Read on and find out more about the different reasons a car might need a jump start.

5 Car Problems That Lead to a “No-Start” Scenario

Pushing car won't start

There are several different kinds of car problems that can ultimately lead to a car not starting when you turn the key in the ignition. Most of them are related to the ignition system or the part of the car that fires the engine under electronic command from the key in the lock and cylinder. 

The first assumption most people have when they have to jump-start their car is that the battery died, and it’s a good one—it’s the most common form of trouble you’ll run across that can cause your car to have problems starting up. If the car doesn’t start after being jump-started, though, you might be looking at some more complicated mechanical problems than a simple battery swap. 

Here are the most common forms of car trouble that can lead to a driver needing a jump start: 

  • Dead or weak battery: Car batteries don’t last forever, and in cold conditions, an older battery can go dead quickly. Even if the battery still has a little power left, cold temperatures or merely old age may eventually lead to the battery not having enough juice to power the ignition system. This problem is usually evident when the driver attempts to start the car cold. If the battery is not entirely weakened, it may increase in efficacy after the car has been warmed up, leading to an intermittent start-up issue.
  • Malfunctioning Starter: If your battery tests okay and you still can’t get the car started without a jump start, the problem is likely in the starter itself. The most surefire symptom of a starter malfunction is a telltale clicking noise whenever the key is turned in the ignition. However, a starter can also die without making any noise at all. It might also be a bad starter if the car won’t start even after a jump start. Starters can malfunction as a result of corrosion from old age, fraying or loose electrical connections, or even oil contamination from a leak. 
  • Clogged or frozen fuel lines: When you have a clogged or frozen fuel line, you may be able to get the car started momentarily, but the car will begin stalling and hesitating almost immediately. This is because, with clogged or frozen fuel lines, the car isn’t getting enough fuel in the system to keep the engine running. If a car can catch enough to start the engine even for a few seconds, it is less likely to be related to either the battery or the ignition system and more likely to be fuel system-related.
  • Fouled or bad spark plugs in the ignition system: Along with the alternator, the ignition switch, and the starter, the spark plugs are a part of the ignition system that can prevent the car from starting if they are malfunctioning. Spark plugs often become non-functional after being contaminated by an oil leak or other fluid leak in the engine compartment. 

Since spark plugs are a somewhat delicate electrical component (and cheap), it doesn’t take much to cause a misfire in the spark plugs if they’re older or damaged. Changing them out as a set is an excellent way to troubleshoot a no-start problem that has been determined to be unrelated to the alternator, starter, or battery.

  • Alternator malfunction: Bad alternators are almost as typical as bad batteries when it comes to cars that won’t start. The problem with a bad alternator is that while a battery that takes a jump start might keep a car running for a short amount of time, the lack of a functioning alternator means that the car won’t be able to maintain a charge for a long. 

Alternator problems are often diagnosed once a car’s battery is determined to be operational yet still won’t hold a charge. You can often see more subtle indications of alternator trouble before the car completely fails to start, such as indicator lights in the dashboard or electrical problems, such as a flicker in the headlights. 

Many other issues can cause a car to refuse to start beyond these five reasons, but these are some of the most common ones you’re likely to run into in your own driving experience. If troubleshooting any of the above systems doesn’t yield results, the problem is likely something more obscure, such as an electrical malfunction.

When A Car Can’t Be Jump Started

Keys - car keys in ignition

Sometimes a driver will think that their car battery is flat and get a jump start only to find out that the jump start can’t get their car going again. A jump start is typically only useful if a car’s battery is dead or the alternator is bad—many other issues with a car’s ignition system will prevent a car from being started even if a jump start is provided. 

These are some of the systems that may be involved with your car if a jump start doesn’t solve the problem: 

  • Fuel system: When a car won’t start because of the ignition system, the engine typically won’t catch at all. But when a car does not remain running after being started, that points to a different cause entirely. In many cases, it is related to the fuel pump or fuel lines. Also, if the fuel gauge malfunctions, this can lead the driver to believe that their car has gas when it doesn’t.
  • Lock and cylinder: If a key can’t sit fully into the lock and cylinder because of wear or some malfunction within the mechanism, sometimes the car’s electrical system can’t register that the driver is trying to start it, and this can cause a no-start issue.
  • Security lockout: Aftermarket security systems on newer, more electrically sensitive models can often cause malfunctions within a car’s electronics, ultimately leading to a security lockout. A faulty anti-theft system can be one possible culprit if you’re looking at a no-start problem with no other likely suspects.
  • Electrical issues: Electrical shorts in a car’s systems can lead to a no-start issue, and this can, unfortunately, be one of the most challenging problems to track down and correct if it is the root of the trouble. Electrical diagnosis often involves tracking each of the car’s circuits individually until the faulty circuit is found and replaced. Because of the amount of time needed to diagnose electrical issues, this kind of repair is costly.

While a driver can sometimes replace the battery or spark plugs on their car easily enough to get the car running without a jump start, looking into these other problems in the case of an intermittent start or start failure involves more intensive diagnostics that are best left to an automotive technician. 

A professional knows how to read error codes in the car’s electrical system and can pinpoint the location of the problem much quicker than a layman can. 

Can Jump Starting Damage a Car?

damage from jump start

Many drivers are reluctant to try to jump off their car if they aren’t familiar with the procedure for doing it because of the threat of accidentally causing damage to the vehicle’s electrical systems if it is done incorrectly. While it’s a relatively simple procedure, the high voltage involved, combined with the technical knowledge necessary, intimidates some people from ever attempting it. 

This is a realistic fear, as a jump start—even when performed correctly—can damage one or both cars involved. Accidentally connecting jumper cables in reverse can damage the battery of either car by causing a sharp spike in surging voltage. 

The threat of damage isn’t limited to jumping off cars improperly, however. Just the effort of trying to start the second car can cause transient voltage spikes capable of damaging the more delicate of a car’s electronics systems, especially if they are aftermarket systems without surge protection. 

To help reduce the chance of causing unnecessary damage to the electrical system of either car, it’s a good idea to turn off all auxiliary electronics while jumping a car off, including the headlights (which are particularly susceptible to electrical damage from overvoltage). 

Using a jump-starter battery can be one of the safest ways to jump-start a car. I bought a battery jump starter that worked for me several times when my car failed to start. Once you learn how to use it, it’s fairly simple and has worked well for me. 

battery jump starter
AD

I’ve found that you do need to make sure that the battery is charged all the way for it to be effective since a low-starter battery won’t work on all occasions. The nice thing is you can charge it in your car from a USB port. 

How to Safely Jump Start a Car?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdnkRQF5Cps

If you find yourself in a position where you need to jump-start your car, you must know how to do so safely. Cars run on a high enough voltage to cause severe injury or death to a person if they accidentally touch a live wire.

The following steps walk you through the method for jump-starting a car safely: 

  1. Make sure both vehicles are turned off and all auxiliary electrical systems are switched off.
  2. Identify the positive (+) battery terminal on the battery of both vehicles. The vehicle battery should have a positive and negative terminal. You must not mix these up while performing a jump start.
  3. Clamp the positive red jumper cable (+) to the positive battery terminal of the dead car’s battery. Clamp the other positive red jumper cable to the positive battery terminal on the functional car that you’re getting a jump from.
  4. Clamp the negative black jumper cable (-) to the negative battery terminal post of the functioning car’s battery. Note: DO NOT clamp the other black jumper cable to the negative battery post on the dead car’s battery terminal. This can cause an explosion or significant electrical damage.
  5. Connect the remaining black negative cable to a bare metal surface under the hood of the non-functioning car. This will act as the electrical ground.
  6. Start the functional vehicle and allow it to idle for five minutes. Disconnect the jumper cables entirely before attempting to fire up the non-functioning car.
  7. If this doesn’t start the car, attempt to attach the grounding cable to a different area beneath the hood of the non-functioning car for a better connection, or press the accelerator on the functioning car to gas the engine and increase power output. Then try starting again in a few minutes.

Hopefully, at this point in the process, you will end up with two working vehicles that run. 

If you don’t specifically remember leaving on your cabin lights or some other operator error that might have accidentally run your battery down, this is the point when it’s a good idea to run your car over to the auto shop (while it’s still running) and see if a mechanic can at least test your battery and alternator for you. 

Keep in mind that if your car’s starting problem is an alternator, that jump-start is only going to last to your next destination.  

Jump Starting a Car Doesn’t Always Fix the Problem

jump starting not working

A jump start can temporarily solve the problem of getting from point A to point B if you discover your car won’t start, but for many car problem scenarios, it is only a bandage for the issue, not a cure.

Only in some situations, like if you leave your interior lights on overnight and run your battery flat, can you jump-start a car’s battery and not experience any further issues with the car starting again. 

Once you’ve managed to get your car jump started, the first place you should drive it is to an auto repair shop so that a real professional can take a look at it and figure out what the source of the malfunction is. At the very least, if you had to jump your car off after running your battery dead, a mechanic can verify that the battery still has enough power that it doesn’t need replacing. 

It’s essential to address the problems causing a car to need to jump off for a few reasons: 

  • These kinds of car repair issues can become worse if they are neglected. This can lead to more massive repair bills and a longer time for the car to be stuck in the shop when it finally breaks down for good. It’s better to get a car’s mechanical issues addressed while it is still running rather than waiting for it to break down entirely.
  • A car with an intermittent starting problem can end up with an intermittent stalling problem. Once a car has begun to stall and hesitate in the middle of traffic sporadically, an annoying and inconvenient situation becomes a more dangerous one.
  • It might leave you stranded next time. Just because a car can be jump-started once doesn’t mean it will be capable of being jump-started again, so if you’ve got an intermittent start problem with your vehicle, it isn’t something that can be put off without risking being stuck without a ride.
  • It’s terrible for a car to do it all the time. As mentioned in the previous section, the high voltage from jump-starting a car can potentially do damage to its electrical systems, so it’s a good idea to limit jump-starting to as few incidences as possible to limit the chance of lasting damage.
  • You might not be able to find a jump-off next time. Just because you happened to have jumper cables in your driveway and a neighbor’s car the first time your car fails to start doesn’t mean you’ll be in such a convenient situation next time. It isn’t worth the uncertainty of not knowing whether you’ll be able to depend on your vehicle for regular transportation.    
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=064Ilsz8Fzg

The most important thing to remember is that a jump start is just to give your car enough power to get you to a mechanic. It isn’t a method to rely on to limp your car along for days or weeks. This isn’t just a matter of convenience but a matter of safety as well. 

Learning to Jump Start a Car Correctly Can Be a Useful Skill

Knowing how to jump-start a car (and, more importantly, having the tools on hand to pull it off and the gumption to attempt it) can quickly take some out of that knee-jerk anxiety of finding out that your car won’t start. But unless you know how to do so correctly, you can potentially cause more problems than you solved. Not only that, but you can also potentially damage someone else’s car in the process.  

Jump-starting a car also doesn’t solve some intermittent starting problems permanently. Only further mechanical diagnosis and repair can eventually fix the problem for good. 

Links to Sources:

https://blog.firestonecompleteautocare.com/maintenance/signs-of-a-bad-starter/​​

https://aamcominnesota.com/alternator-trouble-signs/

https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/2723/is-it-possible-to-harm-your-car-by-giving-someone-a-boost

https://patch.com/virginia/vienna/dead-car-battery-cold-weather-electronics-may-be-to-blame-aaa-says

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/car-projects/how-to-jump-start-car-batter

Handbrake vs. Foot Brake: What’s the Difference?

Written by Writers in Auto Parts,Cars

Handbrake vs. Foot Brake

Understanding the functions of the various brake systems in a car is crucial to its operation. While handbrake and foot brakes give you an idea as to how you should operate them (with your hands and feet), it isn’t often clear how they work or when you should use them. Both braking mechanisms are necessary for optimal safety while operating a vehicle. 

The major difference between a handbrake and a foot brake is that the handbrake engages the rear wheels in the event of the need for immediate stopping or additional support, and the foot brake controls the stopping of the car through friction placed on all four wheels while the car is moving.

We will go into more detail as to how these brakes operate to allow you to stop a car in varying situations. Learning more about how they work and the difference between handbrake and foot brake not only provides you with interesting information about how your car works but can help you if something needs repair. 

Mechanical Differences Between a Handbrake vs. Foot brake 

Beyond the physical location of the foot brake next to the gas pedal that you control with your feet, and the handbrake is a pull lever controlled by hand, there are very different technical mechanisms controlling both. Understanding the differences between the two provides you with useful knowledge of the inner workings of your vehicle and when to use both brakes. 

The technology used to control your braking systems varies quite significantly from handbrake to foot brake. Let’s look at the technical differences and setup for both.  

How does a Handbrake work?

Picture of car hand brake close up

Handbrakes, which can serve as emergency and parking brakes, are found as a single lever near the gear shifter. Handbrakes are part of auxiliary brake systems that support your foot brake in the event that it doesn’t work or you need additional support. 

Performance vehicles almost always have a handbrake, while other models may design these auxiliary brakes as a foot pedal. 

Handbrakes are specifically different from foot brakes and even other auxiliary braking systems because their primary job is to stop and lock the use of the back wheels, while foot brakes engage the front wheels, often through automatic braking systems and hydraulic systems in modern-day cars. 

Acting on the rear wheels with a mechanical braking system, handbrakes are attached to a cable that runs to these wheels and operates levers that engage the brake. In back wheels, drum brakes are typically used, where the levers press the brake against the drum and therefore slow the car down. 

Most cars will use drum brakes where the handbrake can directly attach to the rear wheels, but some have disc brakes. 

If a handbrake is applied to a disc brake system, there are additional levers connected to the caliper and pistons on the brake to control brake pads. A corkscrew will press against the caliper, which engages the brake pads to stop the car. 

These are the major points you need to remember when comparing a handbrake to a foot brake: 

  • Handbrakes are almost always mechanical systems that bypass the foot brake system entirely to offer an additional layer of safety. 
  • These parking brakes or emergency brake systems can be found as handbrakes, foot pedals, or electric brakes (in more modern cars) 
  • Cars with rear disc brakes will require additional levers to engage the handbrake through the caliper vs. a direct lever in a drum brake. 

Foot Pedal Brakes

It is also important to note that there are differences between emergency brakes: ones that are designed as handbrakes and ones that are engaged with a foot pedal.

The foot pedal brakes are often found to the left of your gas pedal, and the foot brake is on the car floor. They operate using the same technology as the handbrake but may be preferred in varying driving situations. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjDTQ2lnJz8

It is often preferred to use a handbrake versus a foot brake, especially when trying to use the brake on a hill. Engaging the brake with your hand is often easier than using your foot when situated in areas with greater slopes.

The difference in the location of parking or emergency brake will largely depend on the age and model of the vehicle. 

Using Electronic Braking

Many cars are coming out with electronic braking. These cars may not have any handbrake to pull on or push with your foot. On these cars, there are buttons to push and pull. 

Each car has different features to help you operate the brakes and stay safe while parking, coming to a stop, or in the case of an emergency situation. 

This video explains how the Honda Civic’s electronic braking works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2Rv7CZkuvs

How do Foot Brakes work? 

Drivers rely on their foot brakes to do a majority of the stopping in a car. Modern vehicles (typically those made after the 80s), vehicles will use an automatic or hydraulic braking system.

These systems use pressurized fluid to engage when the brake pedal is pressed and engage the brakes.   

This is the process of hydraulic braking that occurs to stop a car from the moment you press the foot brake pedal: 

  1. Pressing the foot brake pedal: Applying force to the foot brake creates added pressure to the vacuum that is attached to the motor. This moves the piston within the master cylinder to engage the fluid reservoir. 
  2. Release of brake fluid: The opening of the brake fluid reservoir is triggered by the added force from the piston in the master cylinder. This allows the brake fluid to move towards the brakes as a pressured liquid. 
  3. Reaches caliper: In the front wheels, the pressured fluid meets the caliper, which is responsible for engaging the brakes in a disc brake system. As the pressure from the fluid increases, the caliper presses on the brake pad, and friction forces the wheel to stop. 
  4. Back wheel braking: The fluid also stops the back wheels with drum brakes by forcing pistons to engage and press the brake pads to expand and close the space so the rotating drum cannot move. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2egqlckeO4

As we noted, braking the car is a result of friction between the mechanisms in the brake and the pads that are applied to slow it down. When a car is moving, it produces a lot of kinetic energy. Friction to engage the braking system is created when converting this energy into heat, which is dispelled from the vehicle. This friction is applied to both the front and back wheels. 

In hybrid and newer electric cars, this kinetic energy can actually be transferred back into the car’s battery through regenerative braking. Instead of converting the kinetic energy to heat that cannot be used, the car serves as a generator that can reuse that energy. Larger vehicles that can take advantage of more generated kinetic energy often benefit more from this system. 

Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes

Drum brakes are named for their similar appearance to a drum that employs brake shoes that will expand outward in a wide cylinder to slow a car down. Disc brakes use a single, flat metal rotor that will spin until a caliper forces the brake pads to press against the disc, creating friction and stopping the wheel. 

Both systems employ friction to stop the wheels, with older cars (those produced before the mid-1970s) primarily using drum brake systems as they were invented first. Once the disc brakes were developed, they became the preferred braking system because they are more efficient and longer-lasting than drum brakes. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkmAaBJ0A6Y

These are the advantages of using disc brakes and why they are used for front wheels compared to older drum brake systems: 

  • Energy transfer: When reaching high heat levels from the transfer of kinetic energy, discs are able to handle and relieve heat more easily. 
  • Durability: With the heavy braking that may occur, disc brakes last longer and can handle more brunt impact over a longer period of time. 
  • Wet conditions: Drum brakes are much more likely to come in contact with water or expose brake pads to water compared to a disc that wicks it away. 

Most modern cars will use all disc brakes or at least use them on the front wheels. Because most of the impact and energy from a moving vehicle is transferred to the front brakes when stopping or slowing down, you’ll want the ‘better’ braking technology to receive the brunt of the impact. 

Drum brakes are often used on many rear wheels still because they are much more economical and can handle the limited pressure they’ll receive compared to the front brakes. Drum brakes also are much more efficient and compatible to be used as parking brakes, as disc brakes will require more braking configuration.

When to Use a Handbrake vs. Foot Brake?

Now that you understand how each of these braking systems works, it is important to know when to use them. As you have noticed, a foot brake system involves all of the wheels versus a handbrake system that engages only the rear wheels. 

This also provides us with some insight into their necessary function and how reliant we should be on both. 

Think of your foot brake as a way to stop a car and your handbrake as a way to keep the car where you stopped it. A foot brake is used to stop a car while driving, and a handbrake keeps the car steady or in place when you plan to park. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9okqTsHZXQ

When to Use A Handbrake?

A handbrake is a very useful tool that is primarily used for parking and emergency braking situations, with more cases falling into the former category. A handbrake is also referred to as a parking brake because it is useful in both manual and automatic vehicles to ensure that the car does not move. 

The most common situations in which you will want to engage a handbrake to include: 

  • Parking with a manually operated vehicle
  • Parking on a hill or slope

Manual Transmissions

Cars with manual transmissions do not have parking gear as automatic vehicles do. You must place the car in neutral and then engage the handbrake to ensure that the car will not move.

When driving a manually operated vehicle, this is the only way to safely park the car. At longer stoplights or stuck in traffic, you can also engage the handbrake and place it into neutral. 

Automatic Transmissions

For cars with automatic transmissions, using the handbrake is a great safeguard and support for your primary braking system. This is especially true when parked on a hill or slope.

We recommend using the parking brake in addition to shifting the car into the park. Be sure to engage the parking brake before placing the car in park. This provides stability and support. 

Parking on an Incline

parking on an incline

When parking on a slope, gravity acts against the heavyweight of the car and places more pressure on the braking system. When employing the handbrake and the parking gear in an automatic vehicle will prevent accidents from occurring in the event that something happens to your primary braking system. 

Because the handbrake works with the rear wheels, performance vehicles will sometimes engage the handbrake for skidding or drifting the car. The easy access between the seats allows racers to make tight turns, but it does result in a decrease in speed.

This maneuver is not recommended for use by vehicle owners and amateur drivers, as it is very dangerous. 

When to Use a Foot Brake?

Footbrake and accelerator of vehicle

You will most often use a foot brake while driving to slow down your car or come to a complete stop.

Anytime you want to stop the car while it is in motion, you should engage the foot brake. If you try to stop the car with the handbrake while moving, this will cause the rear wheels to lock up, and you could drift or lose control. 

  • In a manual transmission, you will need to engage the clutch anytime you choose to brake (just as you would to move the car into another gear or press the gas pedal).
  • In an automatic, you can press the foot brake to slow the car down. In addition to stopping the car, the foot brake can also be used to start the car in many models. 

Newer vehicles may use a start and stop button to turn the vehicle on. If this is the case, you will need to press down on the foot brake before the car turns on. This is an added safety feature, and it triggers the engine to start. 

As the front wheels take a majority of the impact, the foot brake should be used if you are approaching something quickly in front of you. Do not pull the handbrake in these situations, especially if traveling at high speeds.

The primary braking system will be able to stop the car in a much more controlled manner than trying to rely solely on your auxiliary braking system. 

What Should You Do If Brakes Don’t Work?

In the rare event that your brakes fail, you will want to be well-equipped with steps to take. This is a dangerous situation that can be stressful if encountered. DO NOT turn off the car. You need to carry on to steer. 

If something is wrong with your primary braking system and may require the use of your handbrake while the vehicle is moving. 

These are steps to take when you experience brake failure: 

  1. Pump the brakes: If the brakes don’t appear to work, try pumping them a couple of times. This should help to slow the car down, as you may have some braking abilities left. 
  2. Use the handbrake: This should be a last resort and only done at lower speeds where it is safe to do so. Engage the handbrake slowly, adding more pressure to slow the car down. Moving gradually will prevent skidding and tire locking. 
  3. Downshift: If your car has a manual transmission, you will want to shift into a lower gear. You can gradually shift into lower gears unless there is an immediate hazard in front of you. Automatic vehicles can switch to manual operation on their gear shifter. 
  4. Use hazards: If safe, turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers that something is wrong and to avoid getting close to your vehicle.  Your first priority is to avoid harm to yourself and others.
  5. Find somewhere to slow down: You should also consider getting off the road if there is somewhere to do so. You could slow down your car by zig-zagging your car as long as you are in control of the car. Whatever friction you can use to slow the car down as safely as possible can be helpful, such as bushes on the side of the road.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LrbFAvX4cA

While you hope not to ever be in this situation, knowing what to do beforehand will keep you calm if the brake failure occurs. This example also shows how your handbrake can be useful if your foot brake fails.

The handbrake may not always work when your brakes fail, but oftentimes the problem has to do with the front brakes rather than the rear ones. Getting your car checked out regularly can help prevent issues.

Again remember not to turn off the car if the brakes fail. If your brakes were working normally and you turned off the car while driving, it would be very difficult to brake. 

The Difference Between a Handbrake and Foot Brake

The handbrake and foot brake are necessary components to ensure the function and safety of a car. Your foot brake is key to all slowing and stopping functions while driving, and handbrakes are used to support the foot brake while parked or in rare emergency situations. 

Understanding the differences will help you to operate your vehicle more efficiently and safely. Especially if operating a car with automatic transmission, many drivers will not use their handbrake in addition to shifting the car into park.

If parking, we recommend always placing the car in park and using the handbrake.

Car manufacturers build two braking systems to keep vehicle drivers safe and allow for the efficient operation of both manual and automatic transmissions.