What Happens If I Drive With Emergency Brake On? – The Risks

Imagine this: you’re cruising down the highway, the sun is shining, and your favorite song is blasting. Suddenly, you feel a strange resistance in your car, a grinding sensation that makes your steering wheel feel heavy. You glance down and realize with a jolt – your emergency brake is on! This seemingly minor oversight can quickly turn into a major safety hazard, potentially leading to a loss of control, damage to your vehicle, and even an accident.

Driving with your emergency brake engaged is never a good idea. It’s designed for emergencies only, to prevent your car from rolling, not for everyday driving. Understanding the mechanics of your car’s braking system and the consequences of driving with the emergency brake on is crucial for safe driving. This comprehensive guide will delve into the dangers of driving with the emergency brake engaged, explore the potential damage it can cause, and provide essential tips to avoid this potentially hazardous situation.

The Mechanics of Your Car’s Braking System

Before we dive into the dangers, it’s important to understand how your car’s braking system works. Your car has two primary braking systems: the service brakes and the emergency brake. The service brakes are the ones you use daily to slow down and stop your vehicle. They are hydraulically operated, meaning they use brake fluid to transfer pressure from the brake pedal to the brake calipers, which squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, creating friction and slowing the car down.

The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is a separate mechanical system. It typically uses cables or hydraulic lines to apply pressure to the rear brakes, engaging them independently of the service brakes. This system is designed to hold your car stationary when parked, preventing it from rolling downhill or on an incline.

Dangers of Driving with the Emergency Brake On

Driving with the emergency brake engaged can have serious consequences for your safety and your vehicle. Here’s why:

Loss of Control

The most immediate danger is a loss of control. When the emergency brake is on, it creates excessive drag on the rear wheels, making it difficult to steer and accelerate. This can lead to skidding, swerving, or even a rollover accident, especially at higher speeds.

Increased Wear and Tear

Driving with the emergency brake on puts undue stress on your brake system components. The constant friction generated by the engaged brake pads can overheat the brakes, leading to premature wear and tear. This can result in costly repairs and potentially compromise your braking performance when you need it most. (See Also: How to Reset Brake Pad Sensor on Bmw? Easy Steps)

Damage to Other Components

The drag created by the emergency brake can also affect other parts of your vehicle. It can strain your transmission, axles, and even your engine. In severe cases, this can lead to transmission failure or other costly mechanical problems.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

Driving with the emergency brake on increases your vehicle’s resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. This results in decreased fuel efficiency, costing you more money at the pump.

Identifying the Problem

If you suspect you’re driving with the emergency brake engaged, pay attention to these warning signs:

• Grinding or scraping noise coming from the rear wheels.
• Increased resistance when accelerating or braking.
• Vibration or shaking in the steering wheel.
• Pulling to one side while driving.

If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately pull over to a safe location and inspect your vehicle.

Preventing Driving with the Emergency Brake On

The best way to avoid the dangers of driving with the emergency brake on is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips: (See Also: Which Brake Pads Are Dust Free? Top Picks Revealed)

• Always double-check your parking brake before starting your car. Make sure it’s fully released.
• Get into the habit of visually confirming that the parking brake is disengaged before you start driving.
• Consider installing a visual reminder, such as a sticker or a small light, to alert you if the parking brake is engaged.
• If you have a parking brake warning light on your dashboard, pay attention to it.** It will illuminate if the parking brake is engaged.