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Nowadays, most vehicles will send out an audible signal to alert you that your parking brake is still engaged. However, if your car doesn't have this feature, you can tell by how your vehicle drives. Driving with the e-brake on will make your car feel sluggish and prevent you from accelerating properly.
If you're the type of motorist who always puts their parking or emergency brake up when they park, you may have forgotten to disengage it at one time or another. The parking brake or emergency brake is a secondary brake that is used as a backup just in case your primary braking system fails. This cable system locks your rear wheels and prevents them from spinning rather than using fluid to stop your vehicle. As a result, the stop from your e-brake is more abrupt and quick.
If you have a newer vehicle, the emergency brake may look different. Modern cars nowadays have an electronic parking brake that you can engage with a push of a button, rather than the standard pull brake in the middle console.
While your car can still drive with the parking brake on, there is increased friction. And unfortunately, not realizing you have it on can eventually damage your vehicle.
If you make it within a short distance, the e-brake should be fine. However, if it is a frequent occurrence, or you drive a long distance with it on, your brake pads may suffer damage. The brake pads can warm up and overheat, causing premature wear. Nonetheless, the glazing can cause your brake rotors to warp.
In conclusion, please remember to disengage the parking brake before driving your vehicle. Though you may shrug it off as a silly mistake, it can cost you up to hundreds of dollars to fix your brakes. If your car requires any brake service, we invite you to bring your car to the brake experts at City Garage today.