In the UAE, for most GCC-spec Mercedes-Benz models, you engage the handbrake by pulling the lever up and disengage it by pressing the button on the tip and pushing it down. However, the vast majority of new Mercedes vehicles in the UAE market, from the C-Class to the GLS, are equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). This system typically applies automatically when you turn off the engine and releases automatically when you drive away with your seatbelt fastened. For traditional manual levers, still found in some older or base models, the firm pull-up action is key, especially when parking on inclines like those in Jebel Jais or after desert driving.
| System Type | Common Models in UAE (Example) | Engagement Method | Release Method |
|---|
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300, GLE 450 | Automatic on engine off / Manual switch | Automatic on drive-away / Manual switch |
| Manual Handbrake Lever | Pre-2018 Mercedes-Benz C 180, some GCC-spec Vito vans | Pull lever up firmly | Press button, push lever down |
- Primary Operation: EPB auto-engages upon engine shut-off.
- Manual Override: A dashboard switch controls the EPB manually.
- Safety Note: Always ensure the 'P' park indicator is lit on the dashboard.
RTA Dubai emphasizes understanding your vehicle's specific control systems for safe operation, while MOI UAE's vehicle safety guidelines recommend using the parking brake as a standard procedure every time you park, regardless of the system type. From a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective, proper use of the EPB reduces wear on the traditional transmission parking pawl, a relevant consideration given the high annual mileage from frequent Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway trips. For a typical AED 250,000 sedan driven 25,000 km/year in the UAE, correct parking brake use is a minor but consistent factor in long-term drivetrain maintenance costs over a 5-year ownership period.
