Wouldn't the handbrake only help if your hanging the wheel the brake is on? And on that point, which side has the handbrake?

Wouldn't the handbrake only help if your hanging the wheel the brake is on? And on that point, which side has the handbrake?

Ever driven with the handbrake up?  Most of us have at one point or another - and yes - the handbrake will affect both wheels, BUT, it will DEFINITELY slow the wheel that's in the air, or spinning in the slush, causing the differential to transmit some power to the one that's still on the ground, or hopefully has more traction.

How effective it is really depends on the nature of the terrain, but sometimes all you need is a few inches of movement.

Sometimes just a quick stab of the Ebrake handle will be enough to provide all the resistance required to transfer torque to the wheel with more traction to get moving. I have seen many a talented driver walk up routes most have to be locked front and rear for. I suppose a pair of independent e-brake handles would be the cats meow for that style of driving.

I suppose a pair of independent e-brake handles would be the cats meow for that style of driving.

Google "fiddle brakes" - I believe they are (or used to be) quite common in the UK on "trials cars" - a sort of hill climb event.

Nope, never drove with the e brake on! Next time I've got a rear wheel in the air I'll try this out. Though I swear I had an old subaru that only locked one wheel, I assumed it was the standard on all cars. But really it was the wierdest car i've owned.