Will driving with parking brake on for a short period of time?
Your car is sluggish and you don't want to go.You accidentally drove away with the parking brake on.It is easy to forget to release the parking brake if it is not something you set every time.If you accidentally drove with the parking brake on, here is what happened.
The parking brakes were supposed to be a backup to the main system.They don't use the same brakes that you use.The parking brake uses a cable system to stop the car from moving.A parking brake is activated by a center console lever.The electronic parking brake is found in many newer cars.An electronic parking brake is used instead of a lever to pull the cable.Two slightly different engaging mechanisms were the same result.
If you have ever ridden a bike, you know how the brakes grab the tire.The brakes rub against the tire and the bicycle resists going anywhere.It happens in your car as well.
You can drive away with the parking brake on, but you will feel that the car doesn't want to go.It is like trying to pedal a bike while holding the brake handles if you press on the gas with the parking brake engaged.
The more damage you can do to your vehicle, the further you accidentally drive with the parking brake on.If you only covered a short distance with the parking brake engaged, you probably only caused minor additional wear to the components and have nothing to worry about.
If you somehow manage to drive a long distance with the parking brake on, you can cause major damage to your brakes.The heat comes from the constant rubbing of the pads or shoes against the drums.This can cause damage to the brake parts.
When you leave the parking brake on, most cars have a light on the dashboard to warn you.If you do manage to travel a good distance with your parking brake engaged and are concerned about damage, then have your brakes inspected at your local NAPA AutoCare to be sure they are still operating properly.
If you're looking for brake system parts, you can check them out on NAPA Online or go to one of our 17,000 auto care locations.If you want to learn more about what happens if you drive with your parking brake on, talk to a knowledgeable expert at your local store.
Nicole Wakelin is a journalist who covers the automotive industry.Her work includes radio and video reviews.She can be found in a number of publications, including The Boston Globe, CarGurus, BestRide, US News and World Report, andAAA.She serves as Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association and is active on social media with a large following.