Can you handbrake turn with an electronic handbrake?

[Ari]

Seems that a lot of cars are getting electronic handbrakes these days. Latest SLK has one, just a little button you pull to active and push to deactivate.

So, can you handbrake turn a car with one fitted?

[DanielC4GP]

Thought about this myself as the current car has one. I've come to the conclusion that you'd be able to do a handbrake stop but not a turn as where you flick the back end out round the corner and keep driving. The time it takes for it to release again is far to slow than what it is compared to a manual one.

The manual also states that if the electronic handbrake needs to be used in an emergency then the driver should point the steering to where he wishes to travel and the ESP will control the car in that direction.

[ReedyAero]

Doubt it - they only activate unde a certain speed -well my old man's Scenic and C4 Picasso ones did anyway...

[DanielC4GP]

ReedyAero said:

Doubt it - they only activate unde a certain speed -well my old man's Scenic and C4 Picasso ones did anyway...

They activate at any speed if you keep the button pressed/pulled. Obviously to prevent them being accidentally applied but still being able to be applied in the event of brake failure.

Edited by DanielC4GP on Friday 20th January 10:11

[LotusOmega375D]

I remember trying to engage the electronic handbrake on my old Passat in 2005, whilst still in (slow) motion. It nearly ripped the back end off the car! Not recommended.

[mitchell6]

My astra has got an electric handbrake. It locks the fronts wheel. Useless for any capering .

[MrKipling43]

LotusOmega375D said:

I remember trying to engage the electronic handbrake on my old Passat in 2005, whilst still in (slow) motion. It nearly ripped the back end off the car! Not recommended.

Not wishing any harm to you or your car, but that would have been bloody hilarious. To watch.

"Oh, I think it's time for a super ahsum handbrake turn. WATCH THIS!"

Crunch.

[telecat]

You can get the Latest Astra GTC in Sport trim with a Handbrake Yippeee!!!!

[Ari]

LotusOmega375D said:

I remember trying to engage the electronic handbrake on my old Passat in 2005, whilst still in (slow) motion. It nearly ripped the back end off the car! Not recommended.

Makes you wonder what would happen if it was pressed at speed..!

[Rich_W]

Ari said:

LotusOmega375D said:

I remember trying to engage the electronic handbrake on my old Passat in 2005, whilst still in (slow) motion. It nearly ripped the back end off the car! Not recommended.

Makes you wonder what would happen if it was pressed at speed..!

It jams ALL the brakes on. To the point that the ABS may even cut in. Very Dramatic, and I recommend trying it at least once

[Ari]

Really!? That's an interesting scenario should inquisitive little fingers ever wonder what that button Mummy keeps pressing does...!

[timbobalob]

LotusOmega375D said:

I remember trying to engage the electronic handbrake on my old Passat in 2005, whilst still in (slow) motion. It nearly ripped the back end off the car! Not recommended.

I did the same - up to about 10/15 mph it doesn't half give you a jolt! In the manual (as said above) you can use it in an emergency but you have to push and hold it in to over-ride the safety.

I can confirm you can do handbrake turns in the snow with it as well