Yes, your car can be towed with the emergency brake on, but doing so will almost certainly cause significant and expensive damage to your vehicle. The emergency brake, or parking brake, is a separate mechanical system that typically locks the rear wheels. Forcing the car to move with the brake engaged will grind the brake components, overheat the system, and potentially lock the wheels, making towing difficult and dangerous.
The primary risk depends on your car's drivetrain. For rear-wheel drive vehicles, having the parking brake on while the car is towed with its drive wheels on the ground places immense strain on the drivetrain and the brake system itself. For all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, towing with any wheels on the ground is generally prohibited, and having the parking brake on exacerbates the problem. The only generally safe towing method is flatbed towing, where all four wheels are lifted off the ground, rendering the parking brake's status irrelevant.
The potential damage is severe and costly. You could burn out the parking brake shoes or pads, score the brake drums or rotors, and damage the brake cables. In worst-case scenarios, the heat generated can warp components or even start a fire. The table below outlines potential consequences.
| Potential Damage | Estimated Repair Cost Range | Severity |
|---|
| Worn Parking Brake Pads/Shoes | $150 - $300 | Moderate |
| Scored Brake Drums or Rotors | $300 - $600 per axle | Serious |
| Seized or Stretched Brake Cables | $200 - $400 | Serious |
| Transmission Damage (AWD/4WD) | $1,500 - $5,000+ | Critical |
| Complete Brake System Failure | $1,000+ | Critical / Dangerous |
Always double-check that the parking brake is fully released before authorizing a tow. If your car is being towed illegally or without your consent, the driver is responsible for any resulting damage.
