- Traditional Brakes vs Electronic Parking Brakes: How Do Parking Brakes Work?
- Effect of Pulling a Traditional Parking Brake
- Effect of Pulling an Electronic Parking Brake
- Legal and Safety Risks
- Safe Driving Tips and How to Handle Brake Failures
- Summary of Differences Between Traditional and Electronic Parking Brakes at High Speed
The parking brake, also known as the handbrake or emergency brake, is a fundamental safety system in cars, typically used to prevent the vehicle from moving when parked, especially on slopes. But what if you pull the parking brake while driving at high speeds? Is it safe? What are the risks and expected consequences?
In this article, we reveal the scientific and technical truth behind using the parking brake at high speeds based on real experiments and recent studies. We also clarify the differences between traditional mechanical systems and modern electronic parking brakes—detailing exactly what happens to the vehicle when this risky action is performed.
Traditional Brakes vs Electronic Parking Brakes: How Do Parking Brakes Work?
Traditional (Mechanical) Parking Brakes:
Operated usually by a cable connected to the rear brakes.
When pulled, it directly clamps the rear wheels, causing them to stop or lock.
Does not use ABS or electronic assistance systems.
Electronic Parking Brakes (EPB or E-parking brake):
Activated via a button or switch electronically.
When engaged while driving, it distributes braking force to all four wheels and activates the ABS system to prevent wheel lockup, ensuring a balanced and safe stop.
Allows for a quicker, more stable stop during emergencies compared to traditional brakes.
What Actually Happens When You Pull The Parking Brake At High Speed?
Effect of Pulling a Traditional Parking Brake
Sudden Lockup of Rear Wheels:
Pulling a mechanical parking brake while driving causes immediate locking of the rear wheels, resulting in severe skidding which can cause the driver to lose control.Loss of Stability and Handling:
Locked rear wheels shift the balance of the vehicle, increasing the chance of the car fishtailing, spinning, or even rolling over, especially on curves or slippery roads.Damage to Brakes and Tires:
The sudden stop stresses and prematurely wears out rear brake components (discs or drums) and causes flat spots or burnt sections on tires due to wheel lockup.Hazardous for Safety:
The loss of vehicle control significantly raises the risk of serious accidents injuring occupants.
Effect of Pulling an Electronic Parking Brake
Activation of Braking on All Four Wheels with ABS Assistance:
When activating the electronic parking brake at speed, the system distributes brake force evenly and engages ABS to prevent lockup, enabling a more controlled, stable stop.Smooth and Safe Stopping:
The vehicle decelerates in an organized fashion, reducing chances of skidding or control loss.Emergency System Functionality:
This system can enable passenger or automatic shutoff in case the driver is incapacitated, adding a layer of safety in emergencies.
Real-World Tests Demonstrate the Difference and Importance of Brake Type
German police tests showed that pulling the electronic parking brake at high speeds led to fast, stable stopping without losing control or skidding.
Popular automotive YouTube channels demonstrate how modern ESP systems significantly improve safety by coordinating braking electronically, compared to traditional brakes which easily cause wheel lock and dangerous slides.
Conversely, pulling the mechanical parking brake at high speed almost always results in loss of vehicle control and hazardous outcomes.
Legal and Safety Risks
Endangering Lives:
Using the parking brake while driving is highly dangerous and irresponsible, putting the driver, passengers, and others at serious risk.Legal Consequences:
In many jurisdictions, pulling the parking brake while driving is illegal and punishable by fines or license suspension.Accident Liability:
Illegal use can lead to crashes with insurance claims and serious legal repercussions.
Safe Driving Tips and How to Handle Brake Failures
Never pull the parking brake while driving except in extreme emergencies and only if your vehicle has an electronic parking brake system designed for this.
In case of primary brake failure, use remaining braking methods carefully to gradually slow the vehicle and safely steer to a stop.
Regularly maintain all brake systems, especially the parking brake, to ensure proper function and safety features.
Know how to react if brake warning lights or unusual brake behavior occurs while driving.
Summary of Differences Between Traditional and Electronic Parking Brakes at High Speed
In conclusion, pulling the parking brake at high speeds leads to fundamentally different outcomes based on the brake type. Modern vehicles with electronic parking brakes offer much safer controlled deceleration through intelligent brake distribution and ABS intervention. Using mechanical parking brakes this way is extremely dangerous, almost certainly causing loss of control and accidents.
The key takeaway is to always follow safety guidelines, trust manufacturer instructions, and never attempt this maneuver except in the rarest emergencies and if your car’s system supports it.
