Avoid Costly Car Damage: Master Your Parking Brake

Have you ever watched a car slowly roll down a slope and chuckled, assuming the driver was a novice or perhaps had one too many drinks? In reality, this mishap can happen to anyone. It often boils down to forgetting to activate the parking brake when parking your vehicle.

What’s the Purpose of a Parking Brake in Vehicles?

Every vehicle comes equipped with a parking brake, sometimes called an emergency brake. Manufacturers include this feature to keep your car or truck stationary, preventing it from moving forward or backward when parked.

The parking brake is a vital part of your vehicle’s safety system. It ensures your car stays put on slippery surfaces like ice or snow. It also keeps your vehicle from rolling out of your driveway or parking spot when you’ve locked it.

Many drivers face costly repairs when their car rolls unexpectedly from a driveway or parking lot, only to be hit by another vehicle. Others assume the parking brake is always engaged, but that’s not a given. It’s a simple step that’s often overlooked.

Even if you remember to set the parking brake when you exit your vehicle, you might forget to release it before driving off. This can be just as problematic as not using it at all.

Driving with the Parking Brake On Is Risky

Releasing the parking brake before driving is crucial to avoid damaging your vehicle. Driving with the brake engaged can harm your brake pads, rotors, and even your engine.

Here are some potential consequences of driving with the parking brake on:

• Damage to rotors and brake pads – When the parking brake is engaged while driving, it generates excessive friction. Each mile driven in this state increases the wear and tear on your brake system.
• Overheating brake fluid – Driving with the parking brake on causes the brake fluid to heat up excessively, potentially reaching a boiling point. This can deplete your brake fluid, making it harder to stop your vehicle. In severe cases, you might approach a stop sign or traffic and find your brakes unresponsive, creating a dangerous situation.

• Overheating brake components – When the parking brake is on, all parts of the brake system heat up significantly. Excessive heat can lead to engine or transmission issues, especially during hot summer months, potentially causing your vehicle to overheat.

How to Release Your Parking Brake

All vehicles are equipped with a parking brake. If you never use it, you won’t need to worry about releasing it—but you’ll face other risks by not using it at all.

Before putting your vehicle in gear, take a moment to release the parking brake. Here’s how to do it:

• Fasten your seatbelt and start the engine.
• Press and hold the regular brake pedal.
• If your parking brake is on the center console, press the button and pull the lever to release it.
• If the parking brake is a pedal near your left foot under the dashboard, press the pedal to disengage it.
• Once the brake is released, shift into gear and drive.

Following these steps ensures safe driving. Remember to re-engage the parking brake when you park again.

How to Tell If Your Parking Brake Is Still On

You’ll usually notice within moments if your parking brake is still engaged. Your vehicle may feel sluggish, struggle to accelerate, or have difficulty climbing hills. Other signs include:

· A burning smell – Driving with the parking brake on can cause your brake pads to overheat and melt, producing a noticeable burning odor. If you detect this, pull over immediately and release the brake.

· A grinding sound – With the parking brake engaged, your vehicle works harder to move, and braking becomes more difficult. A low grinding noise may indicate the brake is still on.

If you experience these symptoms, check your parking brake. If it’s engaged, follow the steps above to release it. Acting quickly—within an hour—can prevent lasting damage to your brake system.

Final Thoughts

To keep your vehicle secure and prevent it from rolling on slopes or icy surfaces, always use your parking brake. However, don’t forget to release it before driving. Leaving the parking brake on while driving can lead to serious and costly damage to your brake system.

It’s a simple habit that can save you from significant headaches and repair bills.