Which of the following is not a proper time to apply the parking brakes?

• A. When the vehicle is parked
• B. If the brakes are very hot
• C. After you stop
• D. Before leaving the vehicle

Answer: (B)

Parking brakes are meant to hold the vehicle once you’ve stopped, and you should engage them after you come to a stop and keep them on when you park, then release before moving again. But applying the parking brakes when the brakes are very hot isn’t proper. Hot braking surfaces can cause the shoes to glaze or even fuse to the drums, which can make the brakes stick or fail to release properly and can damage the components. So while you should use the parking brake when parked, after stopping, and before leaving the vehicle, you should avoid applying it while the brakes are still hot. Allow the brakes to cool if they’re very hot before engaging the parking brake.