I rode my car for a while with the emergency brake on, what will happen?

Question

I just wanted to re-phrase and clarify a previous question I asked not long ago. I drove the car with the PARKING/EMERGENCY brake on for about 15 minutes before noticing..the car did not make any noises, it just felt like the cement was uneven because it felt like little bumps, and mostly when I accelerated. During this time, I reved up the car real good, like went 60 -70 in very short space and time...when I got home, there was a very strong burnt smell and was obviously piping hot...when my husband found out (it was his new car / Infinity G5) he was furious...how terrible could this be, besides the husband, hahaha...

Answer 1

Your parking/emergency brake is just a mechanical linkage that actuates the service brake on the rear wheels(your regular brakes). You need to have them checked. There is a strong chance that they are glazed, warped or there may be heat related damage.(overheated grease/bearings, etc.) Any of these will keep the brakes from working properly when you need them. As the other guy said, no joke.

Answer 2

If your car has disc brakes all around, no harm except to the e-brake (it is a separate drum brake).

But if your car has drums in the back (then the e-brake uses those also), you may have warped them from the heat, meaning the car will need brake service.

You didn't say if you drove it after, but if the car drives and brakes okay without any lurching or noise, then it is probably fine. Of course *disclaimer* you should always have any issues like this checked with a certified mechanic.

In worst case, it would be a $50 brake job.

Answer 3

You may have to replace the rear brake shoes or pads. Basically check if the parking brake still holds as well as it did, if not then it will probably affect the normal brakes too so you'd better get it checked and new pads/shoes put on if nessecary.

I've driven for a few minutes with handbrake on before with no problems but if you smelt burning it means you've caused quite a lot of wear to something...

Answer 4

i own a repair shop,and you have probably burnt the back brakes up on it,,this is what the e-brake is basically ,but id say there ruined ,and it probably polished the drums also,,you,ll need back brakes on it ,at the least ,also check the rear wheel cylinders,,anytime one gets this hot it can damage the cylinders in the rear you took a lot of wear off of them,,but don't feel bad,,i have done it also,i think we all have at one time or another,,,have them checked,,there going to need some work ,,good luck hope this help,s.happy new years.

Answer 5

This is more for Marilyn, Although the car is under warranty, abuse is not covered, while it was a accident it is still "owner caused"
they'll be happy to do the repairs for $85 an hour......
(pads and shoes are not normally covered under warranty as they are normal wear items).


In 15 minutes I'd say you burnt up the pads or shoes
and maybe glazed the rotors or drums.

in that short of time I doubt if you did anything more serious.

Answer 6

I'm not a mechanic but I think you just wore down the break pad on the emergency brake. Your car is under warranty so why not take in to the dealer, tell them what you did and have them check it out?

Answer 7

Burnt brakes, warped rotors. burnt and coked wheel bearing grease. Damage to ABS sensors. Voided warranty, $750-$2800 in damage, possible catastrophic brake failure at high speed. HA HA HA (I'm not joking) Call your dealer and ask them. That's no laughing matter. Your husband should take the keys and buy you a 1980 Ford Pinto.

Answer 8

The emergency brake is burned out & will no longer work. Be
very careful when parking on a grade. You failed to mention if
the car is a stick shift, i assume it is.

Answer 9

all you need is to put new brakes and maybe new drums and put some more grease in the rear end.