Driving while Parking Brake is On

The following will result when you FORGET to disable your Parking Brake and therefore engaged while driving:

1. Damage to Parking Brake
- overheating from friction
- melting the brake lining adhesive
- wear down brake linings
- warping of parking brake elements

2. Damage to Main Brakes
– friction and overheating results in damage to main brakes if used as emergency brake

3. Additional Engine Load
- slower speed than normal
- engine works harder to overcome braking power of parking brake
- more fuel consumption than normal

4. Wear on Tires
- faster wear on tires where parking brake is installed

5. Smoking

6. Smell of burning

7. Vibrations

8. Axle seals and bearings possible damage

9. Replacement of brake pads and draining of brake fluid

10. Cost from $150 up to $500 depending on severity of damage


Important Before Putting your Gear Shifting Lever to Drive (D):
1. Disengage the Parking Brake - it should be parallel (flat, horizontal) and NOT ANGLED.
2. Visually check your Parking Brake to ensure it's NOT ON.
3. Before you drive, check your Dashboard for Red Alerts from the car's computer.

Feel your car, if you feel something is out of the ordinary, feeling a resistance to the vehicle's normal movement/speed, you might have forgotten to de-activate your parking/emergency brake.

A helpful advise to learners and new drivers (seasoned drivers as well)... don't be overly excited to drive that car, check your parking brake and take care of yourself and your vehicle... so it can take you to wherever you want.  If your car were a live horse, it surely will feel hurt and complain!