What’s the Harm in Driving with Your Parking Brake On?

People engage their parking brakes to stop their cars from moving when parked, but when your car is on and you’re driving, it is usually possible to keep moving, even when your parking brake is on. Doing is so is more than a drag on your engine and a waste of gas—it can also lead to serious damage in your braking system that can cause you to pull off the road and get towed. Here is a closer look at the dangers of driving with your parking brake on.

How is it possible to drive with a parking brake on?

It is actually very easy to drive with your parking brake on, because most people don’t fully engage the brake when they park. You have to pull the brake level all the way up with force—or push the emergency brake pedal all the way down—in order for the brake to be fully engaged. If you don’t do that—and most people don’t—then the brake won’t be strong enough to overcome the power of the engine. You may notice some drag on your car, but you will still be able to move forward as normal.

How can the parking brake damage the braking system?

As you drive with your parking brake engaged, it causes the pads to rub against the brake rotors. This causes heat. The longer you drive with your brake on and the faster you go when you do so, the more heat will be produced. This can cause the brake fluid to start boiling, which will prevent it from transmitting pressure to the brakes. When this happens, the brakes won’t stop your car.

If you do end up on the side of the road because of brake problems or another issue of with your vehicle, call Barnett’s Towing. Our drivers are available 24 hours a day to provide tows in Arizona, even in difficult-to-reach locations. You can call for a tow truck by dialing (800) 722-2302.