Handbrake on a used X5

[LouGubrius]

I've got what I'm sure will end up being a dumb question. I just purchased an 01 4.4i with 113,000 on the clocks. It is in reasonable shape for the years and miles, but I've still got a few jobs ahead of me--V/C covers, oil change, trans fluid change--that will require use of the parking brake.

The parking brake which may or may not have ever been used by the previous owner.

Anyone reading this in a cold weather climate probably knows the reason for my reticence to use the handbrake. I've seen for myself what locked up parking shoes will do to those unaware souls who engage the handbrake for the first time 10 years into the life of their vehicles.

That said, I know the X5 uses an electronically operated handbrake. I know that my SAV is not used in a snowy/salty environment (owners have all been from Portland, OR since new) but I just can't bring myself to pull that handle until I hear a couple folks say yay or nay.

Thanks!