I think I have burnt my car's brakes?

Question

In this situation, what difference would it make if the car is mechanic or automatic? I explained the whole situation in 2 previous questions...(drove 15 minutes with emergency brake on)

Answer 1

Ive done that before.
You just probably wore down your brakes some.
It should be fine

Answer 2

I believe the question your are asking is: "I drove my car with the emergency (parking) brake on, and does it make a difference if it is manual or automatic".

The brakes work the same for either transmission type. There are a variety of parking brake systems, but a common set up is discs in front and drums in rear. If this is your car's configuration, then what has happened is: the 'leading' (as opposed to 'trailing') brake shoe is now considerably worn. Drum brakes have two shoes on each side/wheel. One of those shoes (the leading) locks against the drum with the 'emergency' brake applied.

Have it checked right away. It is possible that a little or a lot of wear occurred in those 15 minutes. This depends on how far the brake pedal/handle was engaged. If engaged just a small amount, it may have not cause any real harm. But if fully engaged, the brake shoes, and possibly the drum, may need replacement or at least 'turning' (machining).

Brakes get hot really fast and smoke and smell, but a physical inspection is required to tell if damage was done.
Good luck, Marc

Answer 3

Really the only reason to ask that question is to find out how smart you aren't. If the car is an automatic (which, being a new G35, I'm guessing it's not) then the parking brake isn't usually something that is engaged, unless you park on some steep roads. Since it's pretty uncommon to have it engaged, it's not something you would normally check for, therefore driving with it on is somewhat excusable.

Being manual (not mechanic, as you said), however, is a different story. The parking brake is to be engaged and disengaged everytime you park or take off. It should be a part of your routine, like buckling and unbuckling your seatbelt. Failure to do this, especially on a $35,000+ car is inexcusable.

You have basically destroyed your rear braking system, which is quite a safety issue, not just for you, but for everyone else on the road that you might run into when your brake system fails.

Perhaps you should put forth the effort and learn something about the vehicle you are driving, you think?

Answer 4

I have been an Automotive Engineer for over 30 years including brake system design. I would recommend you let the brakes cool and then try some agressive stops. If it stops straight, does not make any unusual noises or produce any smells and does not vibrate, then don't worry. I would imagine a bit of glazing of the brake linings but likely it will not significantly affect braking performance.

Have the rear system checked if any of the above is evident. If you do have it checked out. Have them blead enough fluid from the rear system to remove any possible overheated brake fluid.

Likelyhood is you are all right.

Answer 5

no different an auto trans may take it a little worse but should be OK.if the foot and park brake use different shoes/pads then you should not have to much trouble.the only concern would be if there is a change in the foot brake peddle feel ie spongy feel or you need to apply more pressure to brake than normal then a auto shop should advise pad/shoe replacement + disc/drum machine and brake fluid replacement. the latter fluid replacement is what i would do as a minimum because when it gets to hot it boils and that can allow air bubbles to form in it causing poor peddle feel and brake performance.

Answer 6

some cars have two set of brake in the back one is the normal set and the other is emergency that is a small set inside of the drums the normal brake will not be harmed but you will not have the emergency brake no more

Answer 7

your e-brakes should be fine. my e-brake locked up on my car and i drove for an hour or so at highway speeds. of course i needed a new brakeline (burnt completely through XD). yeah, 15 mins wont do much to it.
you should, however, get it checked out just in case.
it might matter whether or not it's auto/manual depending on if your mechanic is a doof and decides to cut through your e-brake, brake lines, and clutch line. other than that, no.

Answer 8

If your car is set up in the usual way ( parking brake in rear ) then you may need to get the rear brakes looked at. You may not have done as much damage as you think. I've seen cars come in on a tow truck....towed for miles..the driver forgot to release the parking brake....other than a little smell...not much damage done, other than a little less lining on the shoes.

Answer 9

i think i answered this one before,,it makes no difference whether its automatic or standard,if you drove with the brake on ,,in sure it has damaged it,,i own a repair shop,and been at this for 36 yrs,,you drive any car,automatic or standard with the brake on,and its going to damage it,,you need to have it checked to see how bad it is,,good luck with it,hope this help,s.happy new years.

Answer 10

First off you cant burn brakes...the hand brake mostly are drum brakes witch are very strong if they are making noise get them reaplaced if not there ok...I leave my E brake on all the time its not good but it proubly didnt hurt it.

Answer 11

Add me in the "probably didn't do any damage" group. It sounds like you didn't have it depressed too hard, or you likely would have noticed it earlier.

Find you one of those "free brake inspection" shops just to check. I also wouldn't tell them your tale of woe. You just let them tell you if they find signs of overheating or wear.