Leaving handbrake on!

[RichardF]

I am ashamed to say that I have driven my P5b with the handbrake on two or three times now. Thankfully, I never operate it hard on for various reasons and have noticed the ommision after a couple of hundred yards; a check on the linings show all okay.
The trouble is that the handbrake warning lamp is to the right of the handbrake lever and in effect 80% out of sight by the curved facia. Why this should be I am unsure as it looks all original in configuration. Before relocationg the warning light to a more prominent postion (inbetween gauges or adjacent to gear selector), does anyone have any suggestions? I have thought of incorporating a buzzer in the circuit but that could drive me to distraction in traffic queues.
Richard
Southampton

[Deleted]

I hardly ever use the handbrake. I use P when parking or the footbrake in traffic.
Is the handbrake light linked to the brake fluid level reserve?

[Deleted]

Yes, it is on my late P5b with plastic brake fluid reservoir.

[Phil Nottingham]

I hardly use the handbrake either but try touse it occasionally to avoid it seizing - I never have any problem seeing the warning light but one could be mounted above the ignition/oil laghts if yours has no yellow Cold Start lamp. One this would not be missed!

The position is marked out on the rear of the panel so it only needs drilling out and it would almost look authentic

[RichardF]

Thanks guys. I intend to fit the brake warning indicator staring me in the face then (as Phil suggests), above the ignition/oil lights. I subconsiously use the handbrake to keep all the linkages and mechanisms free and probably only use it really on steep hill starts.
Richard
Southampton

[Paul Harris]

Could I suggest that using the foot brake when in stationary traffic is not a good idea. It keeps the brake lights illuminated, which is not too bad on a P5 on a bright sunny day, but very unpleasant for the driver behind on a wet night with a modern car. The high level centre brake light burns into your eyes like a laser!