All About Your Emergency Brake - Wagner Brake

Many people have the misconception that you only need to use the parking brake if you park on a hill or if your vehicle has a manual transmission. The truth is that you should always use your parking brake. Whether you drive an automatic or a stick shift, or park on a hill or flat spot, using your emergency brake is a good habit to develop.

Using the parking brake on a regular basis helps keep it in proper working order. When you don’t use the emergency brake, it can corrode and you won’t know there is a problem until you really need it.

Engaging the parking brake every time you park helps ensure your vehicle stays securely in place – even on flat surfaces. This extra layer of protection can be especially valuable if your parked vehicle is struck by another car, helping prevent unwanted movement. Using the parking brake also reduces strain on the transmission and driveline components, contributing to long-term reliability.

If you do suffer a complete loss of your brakes, slowly apply the emergency brake. While your parking brake is mainly used to hold your car in place, it can help you safely bring your vehicle to a stop in an emergency situation. Just keep in mind that it won’t bring your vehicle to a sudden stop; it can just help you slowly bring it to a stop.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DRIVE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON?

If you’ve ever forgotten to release the parking brake before driving, you're not alone – it’s a common mistake. Still, it’s one to avoid, as driving with the brake engaged can cause excessive wear on brake pads and other components, ultimately reducing braking performance.

WHEN SHOULD I LAY OFF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE?

There is one situation you should never use your hand brake. While it’s fun to watch movies like The Fast & Furious and dream about doing those crazy tricks, leave the stunt driving to the professionals. Never use your hand brake to perform a drift maneuver.

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The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.