Is it a problem if the electronic parking brake gets wet?
2 Answers
It is a problem if the electronic parking brake gets wet, as it may cause leakage of electricity, so it is recommended to drain the water as soon as possible. Extended knowledge: 1. Working principle of cable-type electronic parking brake: When the driver presses and holds the electronic parking brake switch, the emergency braking function is activated. When the service brake is working normally, the ESP system (Electronic Stability Program) controls the service brake to brake all four wheels. If the service brake fails, the electronic parking brake control unit evaluates the signals from the four wheel speed sensors, brakes the rear wheels, and prevents them from locking; at this time, the request to illuminate the brake light is sent by the electronic parking brake control unit. 2. Working principle of caliper-type electronic parking brake: When the driver pulls the electronic parking brake button to use the parking brake, the parking brake control module motor located on the rear brake caliper starts to rotate, applying braking force to the brake disc; at the same time, the traditional hydraulic brake also intervenes, making the braking response more agile. When the vehicle is parked, the driver can automatically release the parking brake by pressing the accelerator or the brake (to achieve a braking force of 10bar).
That day when I drove to the car wash, I accidentally got water into the electronic parking brake, and later found the situation quite serious. The electronic parking brake operates via an electronic control unit, and water ingress can cause short circuits, burnt circuits, or functional failure. If the emergency brake fails while driving, it could be dangerous. I did a DIY inspection myself—the first step was to immediately turn off the engine to avoid excessive current damaging more components, then check the fuse box or simply wipe off surface moisture. But honestly, this issue shouldn’t be taken lightly; it’s best to send it to a professional repair shop as soon as possible for inspection and repair with specialized tools. Usually, you should avoid driving through deep water or check the sealing of the parking brake area after heavy rain before parking. Remember, water damage to electronic systems is like dropping a phone in water—if not addressed promptly, it could cost more to repair later.
