What Happens If You Drive With Emergency Brake On

What Happens If You Drive With the Emergency Brake On? A Comprehensive Guide

Driving with the emergency brake engaged is a serious mistake that can lead to a range of negative consequences, from minor inconvenience to catastrophic damage. This comprehensive guide will explore the various scenarios, potential dangers, and the steps to take if you find yourself in this situation. We'll delve into the mechanics, the immediate effects, the long-term damage, and how to prevent this potentially hazardous situation from ever occurring.

The Mechanics of Your Emergency Brake

Understanding how your emergency brake, also known as the parking brake or handbrake, works is crucial to understanding the consequences of driving with it engaged. The system typically utilizes either a cable-and-lever mechanism or a hydraulic system, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Regardless of the mechanism, the primary function is to lock the rear wheels (or sometimes the rear and front wheels), preventing the vehicle from rolling.

Cable-and-Lever System:

This traditional system uses a cable that runs from the handbrake lever to the rear brake calipers or shoes. Pulling the lever tightens the cable, clamping the brake shoes or calipers against the wheel, creating friction and preventing rotation. Driving with this engaged forces the cable and mechanism to endure significant stress, potentially leading to breakage or severe wear.

Hydraulic System:

Some modern vehicles utilize a hydraulically-assisted parking brake. This system typically involves a separate hydraulic system or an electric actuator that engages the rear brakes. While more sophisticated, driving with this engaged still puts immense strain on the system's components, leading to similar risks as the cable-and-lever system.

Immediate Effects of Driving with the Emergency Brake On

The immediate effects of driving with your emergency brake engaged are readily apparent and can range from mildly inconvenient to intensely dangerous.

Reduced Speed and Difficulty Accelerating:

The most obvious effect is a significant reduction in speed and a considerable struggle to accelerate. The engaged brake creates substantial resistance, preventing the wheels from spinning freely. This makes it nearly impossible to achieve normal driving speeds or accelerate effectively, particularly while climbing hills or attempting to merge into traffic.

Unusual Sounds and Vibrations:

You'll likely hear unusual grinding or squealing noises emanating from the rear wheels (or front wheels, depending on your vehicle's design). This is the sound of the brakes forcibly rubbing against the wheel rotors or drums. Furthermore, you'll feel significant vibrations through the steering wheel, pedals, and the chassis of your vehicle.

Increased Risk of Skidding and Loss of Control:

Driving with the emergency brake engaged significantly increases your risk of skidding, particularly on slippery surfaces like wet roads or ice. The uneven braking force applied to only the rear (or rear and front) wheels disrupts the vehicle's stability, making it much more difficult to control, especially during turning maneuvers.

Overheating of Brakes:

The constant friction between the brake pads/shoes and the rotors/drums leads to excessive heat generation. This can lead to brake fade, where the brakes lose their effectiveness due to overheating, resulting in a complete loss of braking power. In severe cases, this overheating can even cause brake components to fail catastrophically.

Long-Term Damage from Driving with the Emergency Brake On

The short-term consequences are bad enough, but the long-term damage from driving with the emergency brake engaged can be even more severe and costly.

Brake System Damage:

The most significant long-term effect is damage to your braking system. The excessive stress placed on the brake pads, calipers, rotors, drums, cables, and other components can cause them to wear out prematurely. This can lead to brake failure, potentially resulting in a serious accident.

Transmission Damage:

Depending on the vehicle and the duration of driving with the emergency brake on, damage to the transmission is also a significant possibility. The strain on the drivetrain can cause significant wear and tear, eventually leading to costly repairs or even complete transmission failure.

Tire Damage:

The continuous friction from the locked wheels can cause significant wear and tear on your tires. This leads to uneven tire wear, potentially causing premature tire failure and making your vehicle unsafe to operate.

Suspension Damage:

The constant jarring and stress on the braking and drivetrain systems can also affect the suspension components. This can result in damage to shocks, struts, and other parts, leading to compromised handling and a rougher ride.

Wheel Bearing Damage:

Prolonged driving with the emergency brake engaged can lead to premature wear and tear of your wheel bearings. This is due to the increased friction and stress placed on these crucial components, potentially leading to wheel bearing failure.

What to Do If You're Driving with the Emergency Brake Engaged

If you realize you're driving with the emergency brake engaged, the following steps are crucial:

Carefully Release the Emergency Brake: Slowly and gently release the emergency brake lever or button. Do this gradually to avoid a sudden jerk or loss of control.
Check for Damage: After releasing the brake, pull over to a safe location and thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any signs of damage, including unusual noises, smoke, or vibrations.
Assess Brake Performance: Test your brakes carefully and gently to ensure they are functioning correctly. If you notice any issues, avoid driving further and call for roadside assistance.
Seek Professional Assistance: If you've been driving with the emergency brake engaged for any extended period, it's essential to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs.

Preventing Future Incidents

Preventing this hazardous situation from occurring again requires vigilance and a proactive approach:

Double-Check Before Driving: Always make it a habit to explicitly check that the emergency brake is disengaged before driving. This simple step can prevent numerous accidents and costly repairs.
Regular Brake Maintenance: Regular brake maintenance, including inspections and replacements as needed, will help maintain the functionality of your braking system and reduce the chances of malfunctions.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Vehicle: Understand the operation of your vehicle's emergency brake system, including how to engage and disengage it safely.
Address Warning Lights: Pay close attention to any warning lights on your dashboard. If your vehicle displays a brake warning light, address it immediately before driving.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety

Driving with your emergency brake engaged is a serious issue that can have significant short-term and long-term consequences. By understanding the mechanics of your brake system, the immediate effects of driving with the emergency brake on, the potential long-term damage, and the steps to take if this happens, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with this potentially dangerous mistake. Always prioritize safety and regularly inspect your vehicle to prevent costly repairs and potentially life-threatening accidents. Remember, responsible driving is crucial for maintaining the safety of yourself and others on the road.