What happens to my car if I drive with the emergency brake on?

Driving with the Emergency Brake Engaged: A Recipe for Disaster

That satisfying click as you engage your emergency brake (also known as the parking brake or handbrake) provides a sense of security when you park. But what happens if you forget to release it before driving off? The answer is far from trivial, and it can lead to significant damage to your vehicle and potentially dangerous driving conditions.

Contrary to popular belief, the emergency brake isn’t designed to be used while the car is in motion. It’s a secondary braking system, typically using a separate set of brake shoes or cables that act directly on the rear wheels (though the mechanism varies depending on the vehicle). Unlike the service brakes (the ones you use for regular stopping), the emergency brake isn’t designed to withstand the continuous friction and heat generated during normal driving.

Driving with the emergency brake engaged forces your vehicle’s braking system into overdrive. The rear wheels, especially, are subjected to significant friction, generating excessive heat. This heat buildup isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s damaging. Over time, this intense heat can lead to:

• Overheated brake drums or rotors: This can cause warping, making your brakes less effective and potentially leading to vibrations during braking. In extreme cases, the rotors or drums can even crack.
• Worn brake shoes or pads: The increased friction rapidly wears down the brake components, requiring premature replacement. This is a far more expensive repair than simply replacing worn-out brake pads due to normal usage.
• Damaged brake cables or linkages: The constant strain on the emergency brake system can damage the cables or linkages responsible for activating the brakes. This can lead to a complete failure of the emergency brake itself, leaving you without a crucial safety feature.
• Burnt-out wheel bearings: The added friction from the engaged emergency brake can transfer significant heat to the wheel bearings, potentially leading to premature failure and costly replacements.
• Transmission damage (Automatic): In some automatic vehicles, driving with the emergency brake engaged can put excessive stress on the transmission, potentially leading to internal damage. The forced resistance can cause overheating and eventual failure of transmission components.
• Reduced fuel economy: The added drag from the engaged emergency brake forces the engine to work harder, resulting in significantly lower fuel efficiency.

Beyond the mechanical damage, driving with your emergency brake engaged can also create dangerous driving conditions. You’ll notice a significant reduction in acceleration, and braking will be less effective, increasing your stopping distance and making it harder to control the vehicle, especially in emergency situations. The smell of burning brakes is a clear indication that something is seriously wrong and requires immediate attention.

In short, engaging the emergency brake while driving is a simple mistake with potentially severe consequences. Always remember to release the parking brake before driving; a quick check before you put the car in gear can save you a considerable amount of money and ensure your safety.