The Parking Brake: Your Car's Most Underrated Safety Feature (Don't Ignore It!)
NaTasha Brand • May 30, 2025
Use It or (Literally) Lose It
Here at Ric Henry's Auto Service in San Angelo, we've got a bone to pick with parking brakes. No, really—these unsung heroes get ignored more than the terms and conditions on your phone updates. But guess what? That little lever or pedal could be the difference between your car staying put and it taking an unplanned joyride down Main Street.
Why You Should Use Your Parking Brake—Every. Single. Time.
Think it’s just for steep hills? Think again. Your parking brake (aka emergency brake, e-brake, or "that thing I never touch") is designed to be used every time you park, whether you're on a slope or a pancake-flat Texas highway. Here’s why:
✅ Saves Your Transmission – When you rely solely on your car’s "Park" gear, all the weight rests on a tiny, fragile piece called the parking pawl. Over time, this can wear out—especially if you park on inclines. The parking brake takes the load off, keeping your transmission happier longer.
✅ Prevents "Sticky" Situations – Parking brakes (especially cable-operated ones) seize up when neglected. Rust and corrosion love to creep in, meaning the day you actually need it, it might not budge.
✅ Extra Safety Net – Ever seen a car roll away in a parking lot? Yeah, that happens more than you’d think. The parking brake is your backup plan.
Common Parking Brake Problems (And How to Avoid Them)
🔴 "It Won’t Release!" – The #1 complaint from drivers who never use their parking brake. Cables freeze up, mechanisms rust, and suddenly, you’re stuck. Fix: Use it regularly to keep things moving. If it’s already stuck, bring it in—we’ll free it up before it becomes a bigger issue.
🔴 Weak Holding Power – If your car still rolls on a slight incline, your cables might be stretched, or the brake shoes/pads could be worn. Fix: Get it adjusted before it fails completely.
🔴 Grinding or Squeaking – A grinding noise means your brake shoes/pads are toast. A squeak? Probably rust from neglect. Fix: Don’t ignore it—get it checked before it turns into a costly repair.
How to Keep Your Parking Brake in Top Shape
✔ Use It Weekly – Even if you’re on flat ground, engage and release it to keep the system functional.
✔ Get It Inspected – Ask us to check it during routine brake service.
✔ Lubricate Moving Parts – Texas heat and dust can accelerate wear. We’ll make sure everything stays smooth.
Ric Henry’s Auto Service: Your Parking Brake Professionals
If your parking brake feels loose, sticks, or just doesn’t work, don’t wait until it fails. Our expert technicians can:
🔧 Diagnose & repair stuck or faulty parking brakes
🔧 Adjust cables for proper tension
🔧 Replace worn pads/shoes before they cause damage
Plus, all our services come with a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty—because we stand behind our work.
Use It or (Literally) Lose It
Your parking brake isn’t just for emergencies—it’s a critical safety feature. Whether you drive a lifted truck or a compact sedan, use it every time you park. And if it’s not working right? Bring it to Ric Henry’s Auto Service before your car decides to explore San Angelo without you.
When it comes to hauling heavy loads in San Angelo, you need a truck that doesn’t just talk the talk—it needs to tow the tow. Whether you’re pulling a horse trailer out to Christoval, hauling equipment for a ranch, or just making sure your bass boat gets to O.H. Ivie Lake without drama, the right truck makes all the difference. We’ve lined up the five best heavy-duty contenders for 2025, compared their brawn, brains, and Texas-sized capabilities. And since even the toughest trucks need expert care, Ric Henry’s Auto Service is here to keep them running at peak performance with dealership-level tools, expert techs, and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all services. 2025 Ford F-350 Super Duty – The King of Consistency Ford’s Super Duty line remains a towing titan, with the 2025 F-350 offering up to 37,000 lbs of towing capacity (when properly equipped). The high-output Power Stroke diesel is a beast, and Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes hitching a breeze—perfect for those tight spots at the San Angelo Stock Show. Why San Angelo Will Love It: Reliable, tech-savvy, and built for West Texas ranchers who need no-nonsense power. 2025 Ram 3500 HD – The Luxurious Workhorse Ram doesn’t just build trucks; they build rolling mansions with Hemi hearts. The 2025 3500 HD boasts a 1,075 lb-ft torque rating from its Cummins turbo diesel and can tow up to 37,090 lbs. Plus, its plush interior means you won’t feel like you’ve been wrestling cattle after a long haul. Why San Angelo Will Love It: Combines comfort with raw power—ideal for those long hauls to Midland or Abilene. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD – The Silent Brute Chevy’s Duramax diesel delivers 910 lb-ft of torque, and the Max Tow Package pushes capacity to 36,000 lbs. The Silverado’s refined ride and updated infotainment make it a great choice for those who want strength without sacrificing daily drivability. Why San Angelo Will Love It: Smooth, strong, and packed with tech—great for both worksites and weekend getaways. 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 HD – The Premium Puller Think of the Sierra as the Silverado’s fancier cousin. With similar specs but more upscale trims (Denali, anyone?), it’s perfect for the San Angelo driver who wants both capability and curb appeal. Why San Angelo Will Love It: Because sometimes you need to arrive at the jobsite looking like you own it. 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro – The Underdog with Bite Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain won’t out-tow the diesels, but its 11,000+ lb towing capacity and legendary reliability make it a great option for those who want a tough truck without going full heavy-duty. Why San Angelo Will Love It: For those who want Toyota’s bulletproof rep in a powerful, more manageable package. Which Truck Reigns Supreme? If raw towing power is your game, the Ford F-350 or Ram 3500 take the crown. Want luxury with muscle? The GMC Sierra shines. Need dependability above all? The Chevy Silverado or Toyota Tundra won’t let you down. And remember—no matter which beast you choose, Ric Henry’s Auto Service has your back with top-tier repairs, maintenance, and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty to keep you hauling without hassle.
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