can a car still drive with parking brake on

[LeEmiliano]

Yes, a car can often physically move with the parking brake engaged, but you should never drive with it on. Doing so causes immediate and costly damage to your vehicle's braking system. The parking brake, also known as the emergency brake or handbrake, is a separate mechanical system that locks the rear wheels. Driving with it engaged creates intense friction, overheating the brake pads and rotors, which leads to premature wear, a burning smell, and potentially a complete brake failure.

The immediate effects are unmistakable. You'll likely feel the car dragging or struggling to accelerate. The engine will work harder, and you might hear a grinding or metallic squealing noise from the rear wheels. A distinct acrid burning odor, similar to burning clutch, will often permeate the cabin. This is the smell of your brake components overheating and being destroyed.

The long-term consequences are severe and expensive. Consistently driving with the parking brake on can cause:

• Glazed Brake Pads: The extreme heat melts the binding resin in the brake pads, creating a glassy, smooth surface that drastically reduces stopping power.
• Warped Rotors: The intense, uneven heat can warp the metal brake rotors, causing vibrations and pulsations in the brake pedal when you try to stop.
• Stretched or Snapped Cables: The parking brake is typically cable-operated. Forcing the car to drive strains these cables, which can stretch, requiring adjustment, or even snap, rendering the parking brake useless.

Potential Damage	Symptom	Estimated Repair Cost (USD)
Severely Worn Brake Pads	Reduced braking power, squealing	$150 - $300 per axle
Warped Brake Rotors	Brake pedal vibration when stopping	$250 - $400 per axle
Stretched Parking Brake Cable	Parking brake lever travels too far	$100 - $200
Snapped Parking Brake Cable	Parking brake does not function at all	$150 - $300
Seized Brake Caliper	Car pulls to one side, burning smell	$300 - $800

If you realize you've been driving with the parking brake on, release it immediately and allow the brakes to cool. Avoid heavy braking for the next several miles. If you notice any persistent dragging sensation, burning smell, or changes in braking performance, have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

[VonAngelo]

I did this once by accident. The car felt super sluggish, like I was trying to accelerate through mud. After a minute, I got a whiff of something burning and my heart sank. I pulled over immediately. The mechanic said I was lucky I caught it fast—I only needed new rear pads a few thousand miles earlier than planned. It’s an easy mistake, but a costly one. Always double-check that little light on your dashboard.

[LaAlex]

From a mechanical standpoint, driving with the parking brake engaged forces the engine to overcome significant friction. This puts undue stress on the drivetrain, not just the brakes. You're essentially asking the engine to tear up its own braking system. The energy wasted as heat and wear is tremendous. It's one of the quickest ways to necessitate a full rear brake service, which is an entirely preventable expense. The system is designed for holding, not for slowing a moving vehicle.

[ConnorAnn]

It’s a surefire way to turn a few hundred dollars into a four-figure repair bill. The burning smell alone should tell you something is very wrong. Beyond just replacing pads and rotors, you risk damaging the calipers or the cables themselves. It also kills your fuel efficiency because the engine is fighting against the brakes. It’s just a bad habit that has zero upsides. Make it a routine: mirror, seatbelt, check the parking brake.