Re: I did it too - Read on! (archive)

I took my friends out for a spin, and in the commotion I forgot to release the parking brake. I took it out onto the road and accelerated to at least 60 before one of my friends noticed it and told me to pull over! I had heard the beeping, but thought it was one of the other myriad beeps that this car emits. I posted this situation awhile back and someone replied saying that the manual actually claims that driving around with the P-brake on a little bit can help to "brake it in" I don't know how that is achieved or why it's necessary, but all carmakers know that from time to time we forget to disengage the brake, so I doubt that they make a brake that can be destroyed from one mishap. Your car'll be fine.

However, if you do it for too long, you'll be looking at replacing the rotors and pads...been there, done that! The smell of burning pads is one you'll never forget. The time this happened, I was coming home, going through the hills and noticed that my car was loosing power. First thoughts going through my mind was some engine problem or gas problem. Car finally stopped (brakes had seized) and when I got out to investigate, I was sure something was burning...it was, my rear rotors were red hot! Needless to say, I've gotten into the habit of constantly checking the parking brake while driving. Moral of the story, always check your parking brakes!

--Dan

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