Can You Drive With Emergency Brake On

Can You Drive with the Emergency Brake On? A Comprehensive Guide

Meta Description: Driving with your emergency brake engaged is dangerous and can damage your car. This guide explains why you shouldn't, what to do if it's stuck, and how to prevent it from happening. Learn about potential car damage and safety risks.

Driving with your emergency brake (also known as a parking brake or handbrake) engaged is generally a bad idea. While there might be extremely rare exceptions, doing so will likely cause damage to your vehicle and could create a dangerous driving situation. This article will explore the reasons why you should never drive with your emergency brake on, what to do if it gets stuck, and preventive measures you can take.

Why You Shouldn't Drive with Your Emergency Brake Engaged

The simple answer is that it puts significant strain on various parts of your braking system and drivetrain. Here's a breakdown of the potential problems:

• Overheating Brakes: The emergency brake isn't designed for continuous use at higher speeds. Engaging it while driving forces the brake pads to constantly rub against the brake rotors or drums, generating excessive heat. This heat can lead to brake fade (reduced braking effectiveness), warped rotors, and even brake failure.

• Damaged Brake Pads and Rotors/Drums: The constant friction wears down your brake pads and damages the rotors or drums much faster than normal braking. This leads to premature wear and tear, requiring expensive repairs.

• Transmission Damage (Automatic): For automatic vehicles, driving with the emergency brake engaged can strain the transmission, potentially leading to significant internal damage. The transmission tries to overcome the resistance from the engaged brake, causing internal components to work harder than intended.

• Drivetrain Damage (Manual): In manual vehicles, the added resistance can cause damage to the clutch and other drivetrain components, especially if you're trying to force the car to move while the brake is engaged.

• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The added resistance from the engaged brake significantly reduces fuel efficiency. Your engine has to work harder to overcome this resistance, consuming more fuel than necessary.

• Loss of Control: If the emergency brake suddenly releases while driving, it could lead to a sudden loss of control, potentially causing an accident.

What to Do if Your Emergency Brake Gets Stuck

If your emergency brake becomes stuck, don't panic. Here's what you should do:

1. Pull over safely: Find a safe location to stop your vehicle, away from traffic.
2. Turn off the engine: Switching off the engine will prevent further strain on the braking system.
3. Try releasing the brake: Carefully attempt to release the emergency brake using the lever or button.
4. Check for obstructions: Inspect the brake mechanism for any visible obstructions that might be preventing its release.
5. Seek professional help: If you're unable to release the emergency brake yourself, contact a qualified mechanic or roadside assistance. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle until the issue is resolved.

Preventing Emergency Brake Issues

Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent emergency brake problems. Here are some tips:

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the emergency brake cable and mechanism for wear and tear.
• Proper Adjustment: Ensure your emergency brake is properly adjusted. A poorly adjusted brake may be difficult to release or may not engage effectively.
• Avoid Overuse: Only use the emergency brake for parking. Avoid using it for holding the car on a hill for an extended period.

Driving with your emergency brake on is dangerous and can result in significant vehicle damage. Always ensure the brake is disengaged before driving, and address any issues promptly to prevent costly repairs and potential accidents. Remember safety first!