Handbrake

[EmilysDad]

Question: In the old days, I was told to always use the handbrake because it operated the self adjusting mechanism. -Does that apply to using the foot parking brake?

Too many variables to the question ... The auto adjusters on some cars used the handbrake others used the foot brake & others had manual adjusters. Most Merc's seem to still have a top hat set up at the back ie a drum & disc combined ... drum for the parking brake & disc for the foot brake.

 

[LostKiwi]

Question: In the old days, I was told to always use the handbrake because it operated the self adjusting mechanism. -Does that apply to using the foot parking brake?

On C Class and higher no as they are separate systems. The parking brake is not self adjusting and the foot brake being hydraulic discs self adjust.
Not sure on A classes.