2002 Ford Focus Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 189

Driving Parking brake Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake, pull the handle up as far as possible. The brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON/RUN) until the parking brake is released. The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (Automatic transaxle) or in 1 (First) (manual transaxle). Push the button on the end of the parking brake and push the handle down as fas as possible to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. 189