Kéziféket

Kéziféket is the Hungarian word for a handbrake, also known as a parking brake. It is a secondary braking system found in vehicles, distinct from the main foot brake. The primary function of the kéziféket is to keep the vehicle stationary when parked, especially on inclines or declines, preventing it from rolling away. In many manual transmission vehicles, it is also used as an auxiliary brake during driving, particularly in emergency situations or for controlled drifts.

The kéziféket typically operates mechanically on the rear wheels of the vehicle, though some systems might engage other wheels or even a separate drum brake. It is activated by a lever, usually located between the driver and passenger seats, or by a button or pull-handle on the dashboard. When engaged, a cable system applies force to the brake shoes or pads, creating friction against the rotating wheel. To release the kéziféket, a button is usually pressed on the lever, allowing the cable tension to be released. While primarily a mechanical system, some modern vehicles incorporate electronic parking brakes (EPB), which perform the same function but are operated electronically, often with a button instead of a lever. The kéziféket is an essential safety feature for securing a parked vehicle.