What Are the Consequences of Driving with the Electronic Parking Brake Engaged?

[SanLena]

Here is a detailed introduction to the consequences of driving with the electronic parking brake engaged: 1. Degree of Engagement and Driving Distance: If the brake is not tightly engaged and the driving distance is short, the impact on the car is minimal, but it causes more wear on the parking brake pads and increases fuel consumption. 2. Tight Engagement: If the brake is tightly engaged and the driver fails to notice it, or if the driving speed is high and the distance is long, the parking brake pads can wear out severely—potentially to the point of needing replacement after just one instance. Excessive wear and heat generation from the brake pads can lead to smoke and a burning smell. The heat can also transfer to surrounding components, and high temperatures may reduce the strength of these parts or even cause deformation. 3. Assessing the Outcome: If there is no smoke or strong burning smell, there is likely no issue, and no inspection is needed. However, if there is a strong burning smell and visible smoke, check whether the parking brake still functions properly—whether it releases fully when disengaged, whether the braking force remains consistent when engaged, and whether it can still hold the car on a slope.