Will the car roll away if the electronic parking brake is forgotten to be engaged?
2 Answers
If the electronic parking brake is forgotten to be engaged, the car may roll away. 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 functioning normally, the ESP system (Electronic Stability Program) controls the service brake to apply braking force to all four wheels. If the service brake fails, the electronic parking brake control unit evaluates signals from the four wheel speed sensors, applies braking force to the rear wheels, and prevents them from locking up; at this time, the request to illuminate the brake lights 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 engage the parking brake, the control module motor on the rear brake calipers starts to rotate, applying braking force to the brake discs; simultaneously, the traditional hydraulic braking system 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 applying the brake (reaching a braking force of 10bar).
To be honest, last week I parked at the ramp entrance and was so busy getting out to grab something that I completely forgot to engage the electronic parking brake. As a result, the car gently rolled half a meter and almost hit a trash bin on the roadside, giving me a cold sweat. The principle of an electronic parking brake is similar to a traditional handbrake—if you forget to engage it, especially on uneven ground or steep slopes, gravity can cause the car to move slowly. Nowadays, many new cars come with automatic features, such as activating the parking brake when the engine is turned off, which can help prevent such mistakes. However, don’t rely entirely on it, as not all models support this function. Developing good habits is crucial: after stopping the car, shift to P (Park) first, then engage the electronic parking brake, and finally turn off the engine. A minor roll can lead to a major accident, damaging the car and resulting in costly repairs—definitely not worth it. I always remind myself to double-check every time I park. Safety comes first—no room for laziness.
