Those action movie stunts seem breathtaking, but have you ever wondered about what happens if you pull the parking brake while driving at high speed?
Somewhere within you, there might be ‘the Need for Speed’ desire. You are not alone! Every driver has this guilty pleasure to speed up the coupe on the empty road.
But before the thrill and fun reach the peak, knowing its consequences is essential. Find its answer right here and protect yourself from the disaster.
Contents
- What Happens If You Pull The Parking Brake While Driving at High Speed?
- How To Prevent Engaging The Parking Brake While Driving At High Speed?
- FAQs on Braking When Driving At High Speed
- Is there a specific speed at which pulling the parking brake becomes dangerous?
- How should I respond if the parking brake is accidentally engaged while driving at high speed?
- Are there any situations where pulling the parking brake while driving is acceptable?
- Can a malfunctioning parking brake system engage while driving without driver input?
- Is it safe to pull the parking brake in a gradual, controlled manner while driving at low speeds for emergency braking?
- The Verdict
What Happens If You Pull The Parking Brake While Driving at High Speed?
In the section below, you will get to know about the consequences of pulling the handbrake while driving at the highest speed. So let’s check it out.
Rear Wheel Lockup
Your car is going at the high speed let’s say-103. You suddenly pull the parking brake and the entire force hits the wheels of your vehicle.
The rear and front tires are supposed to absorb the entire force, but instead, the rear wheel locks up and skids.
The chances are that the entire car starts to slide sideways, which is more dangerous than you can even imagine.
In the beginning, when you pull the brakes, nothing much seems to happen. But when the parking in engages, it either wear out or the rear wheel jams.
The probability of the front wheel to lock up is minor only if you are lucky. This is because the front wheels are directly connected to the brake pedal that makes it sturdy enough to bear the jolts easily.
So there are contradictory chances of any hazard when you think what happens if you pull the parking brake while driving at high speed.
See More: Pressing Clutch To Apply Brake VS Slowing Down The Car
Reverse Automatic Transmission
When you slam the brakes for the longest time and wish for the automatic transmission to be revered, a horrifying screeching sound would be generated.
This is because the transmission is going forward and you suddenly force it to go backward.
In this situation, only a second of bad car handling can lead to a disaster such as a car spinning. So, be sure about making any fast and quick move.
Safety note:
If you are pulling the parking brake mildly, there are fewer chances of any loss to the car and you. Otherwise, ensure that you have enough knowledge and know every essential driving tip.
Only a fraction of a second’s mistake can result in perilous situations. So don’t try it unless you are not familiar with the complete scenario.
Loss of Control and Vehicle Stability
When the parking brake is engaged while driving at high speeds, the primary danger is the sudden locking of the rear wheels. This action disrupts the balance and stability of the vehicle.
The rear wheels, locked in place, can cause the vehicle to behave unpredictably, potentially leading to a loss of control.
The vehicle may swerve, spin, or veer off the road, putting both the driver and passengers in immediate danger.
Risk of Rollover
The sudden application of the parking brake at high speed can dramatically alter the vehicle’s weight distribution and dynamics.
This abrupt change can lead to a phenomenon known as “tripping,” where the vehicle’s front wheels act as a pivot point, causing it to rotate around them.
This can result in a rollover, a particularly hazardous situation that often leads to severe injuries or fatalities.
Brake System Damage
The parking brake is typically a separate mechanism from the primary braking system, often acting on the rear wheels only. Pulling it at high speeds subjects the rear brake components to immense stress.
This stress can lead to overheating, warping of brake rotors or drums, and boiling of brake fluid. Such damage can compromise the overall braking performance of the vehicle, making it difficult to slow down or stop safely.
Tire Damage and Blowouts
The abrupt locking of the rear wheels can have a detrimental impact on the tires. It can lead to flat spots or uneven tire wear, reducing tire longevity and safety.
In extreme cases, the stress can cause tire blowouts, resulting in a sudden loss of control.
Transmission and Parking Brake Damage
Engaging the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion can place severe stress on both the transmission and the parking brake mechanism.
Depending on the design of the vehicle, this can lead to damage to these critical components. Repairs or replacements can be costly, and the vehicle may be rendered undrivable until fixed.
Sudden Deceleration and Injuries
When the parking brake is pulled, the vehicle decelerates abruptly. The rapid reduction in speed can subject the occupants to strong forces, potentially causing injuries.
Unrestrained passengers and loose objects inside the vehicle can become projectiles, leading to serious harm.
Legal Consequences
Engaging the parking brake while driving is considered a dangerous and illegal act in many jurisdictions. If caught, drivers may face fines, penalties, and legal consequences for their actions.
Moreover, engaging the parking brake while driving can lead to liability in case of accidents and injuries.
How To Prevent Engaging The Parking Brake While Driving At High Speed?
To prevent accidental engagement of the parking brake while driving, be mindful of your actions during handling the steering wheel. And aware of these following acts.
Pre-drive routine
Think of it like fastening your seatbelt, a quick visual check of the parking brake lever should become second nature. Is it completely down?
If you’re driving a rental car or a friend’s vehicle, locate the parking brake before you even start the engine.
Different car models have different placements – some are hand levers, others are foot-operated pedals, and some are even electronic buttons!
Keep eye on your surroundings
The area around your parking brake can become a clutter magnet. Avoid placing anything that could shift during driving near the lever.
A water bottle rolling around, a heavy bag sliding forward, or even a loose phone charging cable could potentially bump the parking brake lever just enough to engage it, especially during hard braking or cornering.
Keep the area clear for unobstructed operation!
Adjust the brake lever (if necessary)
Over time, the parking brake cable can stretch, leading to excessive play in the lever. If the lever travels too far up or feels loose, it’s more susceptible to accidental engagement.
Your owner’s manual will likely have instructions for adjusting the cable tension, but if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, a mechanic can quickly make the adjustment.
Proper tension ensures the brake engages securely when needed and stays disengaged when not in use.
Understand your car’s warning system
Most cars have a prominent dashboard warning light (often a red circle with a “P” inside or an exclamation mark) and sometimes an audible chime to alert you if the parking brake is engaged.
Don’t ignore these warnings! If they activate while driving, pull over safely as soon as possible, release the parking brake, and check for any unusual smells or smoke, which could indicate overheating brakes.
Maintenance
You should regularly check the cables for wear and tear, ensuring the lever mechanism is functioning smoothly, and inspecting the condition of the parking brake shoes or pads (depending on your vehicle’s design).
This should be part of your regular service schedule and can prevent issues like sticking or unintended engagement.
Be cautious in hilly areas
On steep inclines, there’s a greater risk of rollback when starting from a stop. If your parking brake is even slightly engaged, this rollback can cause it to bind and become more firmly engaged as you accelerate.
Be particularly careful when releasing the foot brake and transitioning to the accelerator on hills, ensuring the parking brake is completely off.
Educate other drivers
If you share your car with family members or friends, take a moment to explain the parking brake’s operation and location.
Emphasize the importance of fully disengaging it before driving and recognizing the warning signs if it’s accidentally engaged while on the road. This simple step can prevent accidents and damage to the braking system.
FAQs on Braking When Driving At High Speed
Is there a specific speed at which pulling the parking brake becomes dangerous?
Pulling the parking brake at any speed above the parking lot or low-speed maneuvering is considered dangerous.
Even at relatively low speeds, it can lead to loss of control and vehicle instability.
How should I respond if the parking brake is accidentally engaged while driving at high speed?
If the parking brake is accidentally engaged, remain calm and do not attempt to release it immediately.
Gradually decelerate by easing off the accelerator pedal, and then safely pull over to the side of the road to address the issue.
Are there any situations where pulling the parking brake while driving is acceptable?
Pulling the parking brake while driving should only be done in extreme emergencies when all other braking systems have failed, and it should be done with extreme caution.
It is generally recommended to avoid this unless there are no other options to prevent a collision.
Can a malfunctioning parking brake system engage while driving without driver input?
While rare, a malfunctioning parking brake system could engage without driver input.
Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address potential issues before they become problematic.
Is it safe to pull the parking brake in a gradual, controlled manner while driving at low speeds for emergency braking?
In some cases, gradually pulling the parking brake at low speeds can assist in emergency braking.
However, this should be done with extreme caution and as a last resort, and it may still result in loss of control and vehicle instability.
You should prioritize using the primary brake system and consult your vehicle’s manual for guidance on emergency procedures!
Check out this video from Cleetus McFarland to learn what happens if you pull an electronic parking brake while driving!
The Verdict
The jaw-dropping stunts in your favorite action movies are performed under the supervision of experts. Lack of confidence and knowledge can risk the lives at stake.
So, consider every possibility whenever you think – what happens if you pull the parking brake while driving at high speed. Drive safe!
