If you have ever accidentally left the hand brake while driving your car, don’t worry, it’s something that can happen to anyone. And while it’s a common occurrence, the downside is that it can easily lead to a premature brake wear, as well as other problems with brake components. So if you have wondered “what happens if I drive with the parking brake?”, stay until the end because here we will explain it in detail.
How does a parking brake work?
The first thing to consider is how the Parking break (also known as “emergency brake”). This is meant to supplement the main braking system to assist the vehicle when parked or in times of emergency, hence the name. What that means is that the parking brake doesn’t use the same hydraulics as regular brakes, like when you hit the brake pedal. Instead, the parking brake is activated by a cable system that locks the rear brakes when you pull the lever or button on the center console.
What happens if I drive with the parking brake on?
If you’ve tried to press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time in a car (something we don’t recommend doing), you’ll notice that the vehicle won’t go anywhere. And if it moves, it will be very slow. The same thing happens when you drive with the parking brake on; the applied brake will create friction as the wheels try to move.
According to Your Mechanic, driving a short distance or at low speed with the parking brake on isn’t a big deal. But if you drive at normal or faster speeds with the parking brake setthen heat and friction will build up and cause more problems.
Most of the time, the heat will cause the brake pads They will crystallize and make them less effective, but with some normal braking, the glaze will eventually wear off and your vehicle will brake normally. Also, the parking brake cables themselves could be damaged and need to be replaced.
What should I do after driving with the parking brake on?
If you drive with the parking brake on, the resulting effects will depend on the amount of brake you have applied. If you only applied the parking brake a few clicks, the brake system is probably fine. But if he pulled it all the way, then more damage could have been done.
Either way, you better take it to a mechanical workshop to have your system checked to make sure it is working properly. The last thing you want is for your vehicle to end up rolling down a hill because you have a broken parking brake system.
Also, if your car is newer and has a electronically activated parking brake via a small switch on the center console, then you’re in luck because the system might beep and flash the parking brake icon on the instrument panel to let you know it’s on. But if you still drive with it on, then you should also have it checked by a mechanic as well.
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