Did you reverse with your parking brake on? Here's what you need to know

Have you ever tried to reverse your car and realized that you forgot to release the hand/park brake? If so, you may wonder if you have damaged your car by doing so.

In this article, we will answer this question and explain how the hand/park brake works, what are the possible consequences of reversing with it on, and how to avoid this mistake in the future.

What is the Hand/Park Brake and How Does It Work?

The hand/park brake is a secondary braking system that is used to keep your car from rolling when it is parked or stopped on a slope. It is usually operated by a lever or a pedal that is located near the driver’s seat. When you pull the lever or press the pedal, it applies a mechanical force to the rear wheels of your car, locking them in place. This prevents your car from moving even if you release the foot brake or put the transmission in neutral.

However, the hand/park brake is not designed to stop your car while it is moving. It is only meant to hold your car in place when it is stationary. If you try to drive your car with the hand/park brake on, you will encounter resistance and drag from the rear wheels, which will reduce your speed and acceleration. You will also hear a warning chime and see a light on your dashboard indicating that your hand/park brake is on.

What Happens If You Reverse Your Car with the Hand/Park Brake On?

If you attempt to reverse your car with the hand/park brake on, you will face similar problems as driving forward with it on. You will feel your car struggling to move backward, and you will hear a grinding or squealing noise from the rear wheels. You will also risk damaging your hand/park brake system and your rear brakes.

The extent of the damage depends on how long and how far you reverse your car with the hand/park brake on. If you only reverse a few feet or inches, you may not cause any noticeable damage. However, if you reverse for a longer distance or time, you may overheat and wear out your rear brake pads, rotors, drums, shoes, or cables. You may also damage your hand/park brake lever or pedal, making it harder to release or apply.

How can you tell if you have damaged your car by reversing with the hand/park brake on? Some of the signs and symptoms are:

• Reduced braking performance: If your rear brakes are worn out or damaged, they may not provide enough braking force to stop your car safely and smoothly. You may notice a longer stopping distance, a soft or spongy brake pedal, or a pulsating or vibrating sensation when braking.
• Increased braking noise: If your rear brakes are overheated or damaged, they may produce abnormal noises when braking, such as grinding, squealing, screeching, or groaning. These noises indicate that your rear brake pads are rubbing against metal or that your rear brake components are loose or broken.
• Changed hand/park brake feel: If your hand/park brake system is damaged, it may affect how it feels when you apply or release it. You may notice that your hand/park brake lever or pedal is harder or easier to pull or press, that it travels farther or shorter than usual, or that it does not lock or unlock properly.
• Visible smoke or smell: If your rear brakes are severely overheated or damaged, they may emit smoke or smell from the rear wheels. This indicates that your rear brake pads are burning or that your rear brake fluid is leaking.

How to Avoid Reversing Your Car with the Hand/Park Brake On?

To avoid reversing your car with the hand/park brake on, you should follow some simple steps, such as:

• Always check your dashboard for the hand/park brake light before driving. If it is on, make sure to release the hand/park brake lever or pedal completely.
• Always listen for the warning chime when driving. If it sounds, check if your hand/park brake lever or pedal is fully released.
• Always look at your rear wheels for signs of drag or resistance when reversing. If you see them not rotating freely or leaving skid marks on the ground, stop immediately and release the hand/park brake lever or pedal.
• Always remember to apply the hand/park brake lever or pedal when parking or stopping on a slope. This will prevent your car from rolling away accidentally.

Conclusion

Reversing your car with the hand/park brake on can damage your car’s braking system and affect its performance and safety. You should always check if your hand/park brake lever or pedal is fully released before driving and listen for any warning signs while driving. If you suspect that you have damaged your car by reversing with the hand/park brake on, you should have it inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

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