No, you absolutely should not tow a car with the emergency brake on. Towing a vehicle with the parking brake engaged can lead to significant damage to the braking system, tires, and drivetrain of the towed vehicle, and can also create a dangerous situation for everyone involved in the towing operation. This article will delve into why this is a bad idea, the potential consequences, and what to do instead.
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The Mechanics of the Emergency Brake
Before we discuss the dangers, let’s quickly review how the emergency brake, also known as the parking brake or handbrake, actually works.
- Purpose: Primarily designed to keep a vehicle stationary when parked, especially on inclines. It’s a backup braking system.
- Mechanism:
- Cable-Actuated: Most commonly, the emergency brake system uses cables to physically pull on the rear brake shoes (in drum brakes) or apply pressure to the brake pads (in disc brakes). This is a mechanical linkage.
- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB): Newer vehicles often feature EPBs, which use electronic actuators to apply the brakes. While the activation is electronic, the underlying principle of applying force to the brake components remains.
- Location: It can be a lever between the front seats, a foot pedal, or a button.
- Operation: When engaged, it directly applies braking force to the wheels, usually the rear ones.
Why Towing with the Emergency Brake Engaged is a Terrible Idea
The act of towing involves one vehicle pulling another. When the towed vehicle’s emergency brake is on, it’s like trying to drag a heavy object that’s actively resisting. This resistance creates several problems.
Direct Resistance to Movement
The most obvious issue is that the emergency brake is designed to stop a car. When you try to pull a car with the brake engaged, you are forcing the wheels to rotate against the friction and mechanical resistance of the brake system. This is akin to trying to push a shopping cart with one of its wheels locked – it will drag and resist movement.
Strain on the Towing Vehicle
While the towed vehicle’s components are the primary victims, the towing vehicle also suffers. The engine and transmission of the towing vehicle have to work much harder to overcome the resistance. This can lead to:
- Overheating: Increased engine load generates more heat.
- Transmission Damage: The transmission, especially an automatic one, can overheat and suffer internal damage from the prolonged, excessive strain.
- Clutch Wear: For manual transmissions, the clutch will be subjected to immense stress, leading to premature wear or burning.
The Consequences for the Towed Vehicle
The damage inflicted on the towed vehicle can be substantial and costly.
Brake System Damage
This is the most immediate and likely consequence.
- Overheating: The constant friction from the engaged brake pads or shoes against the rotors or drums will generate extreme heat. This can lead to:
- Brake Fade: The braking effectiveness diminishes as the components get too hot.
- Warped Rotors: The rapid and uneven heating can cause the metal rotors to warp, leading to pulsating brake pedals and reduced braking performance even after the issue is corrected.
- Damaged Brake Pads/Shoes: The friction material can be burnt off or glazed, requiring replacement.
- Seized Calipers: In extreme cases, the heat can cause the brake calipers to seize.
- Cable Damage (for cable-actuated systems): The constant tension can stretch or break the emergency brake cables.
- Actuator Damage (for EPBs): The motors and gears in electronic parking brake systems can be overloaded and fail.
Tire Damage
The tires on the affected wheels will be subjected to immense scrubbing and friction as they are forced to roll.
- Flat Spotting: The point of contact between the tire and the road can develop flat spots due to the constant dragging and heat.
- Tire Delamination: The heat and friction can weaken the rubber and internal structure of the tire, potentially causing the tread to separate from the tire carcass. This is extremely dangerous.
- Premature Wear: Even if catastrophic failure doesn’t occur, the tires will experience significantly accelerated wear.
Drivetrain Damage
Depending on the type of vehicle and how it’s being towed, the drivetrain can also be affected.
- For Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles: If towed with the front wheels on the ground and the emergency brake on (usually affecting rear wheels), the primary damage is to the rear brakes and tires. However, if the drivetrain is somehow engaged, the differential can be stressed.
- For Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles: If towed with the rear wheels on the ground, the damage will be concentrated on the rear axle, differential, driveshaft, and the rear brakes. The differential, in particular, can be severely damaged by the uneven forces applied.
- For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicles: These are the most susceptible. If any wheels are on the ground and the vehicle is being towed without proper precautions (like disconnecting the driveshaft or putting the transfer case in neutral, if possible), the complex drivetrain can be severely damaged. Towing with the emergency brake on in these vehicles compounds the risk exponentially.
Chassis and Suspension Damage
The immense forces required to drag a braked vehicle can also put undue stress on the vehicle’s chassis, suspension components, and steering system.
The Danger of Towing with the Parking Brake Engaged
Beyond the mechanical damage, towing a car with its parking brake activated poses serious safety risks.
- Loss of Control: The towed vehicle may not track straight behind the towing vehicle. It could swerve or pull erratically, especially if the braking force isn’t perfectly balanced between the wheels.
- Accidents: This erratic behavior significantly increases the risk of an accident, potentially involving other vehicles.
- Breakage: Components can fail under the extreme stress. A snapped cable, a seized wheel, or a tire blowout can lead to a sudden and dangerous loss of control.
- Fire Hazard: Overheated brake components can reach temperatures high enough to ignite surrounding materials, leading to a vehicle fire.
Can You Move a Car with the Emergency Brake?
Yes, you can move a car with the emergency brake on, but it’s not something you should do intentionally or for any significant distance. If the emergency brake is only slightly engaged, or if you’re just nudging the vehicle a few inches, you can apply enough force to move it. However, this is still not recommended as it will cause friction and wear. The question is not about the possibility of movement, but the consequences of doing so.
What to Do Instead: Proper Towing Procedures
When you need to tow a car, proper preparation is key to avoiding damage and ensuring safety.
Step 1: Release the Emergency Brake
This is the absolute first step. Ensure the parking brake lever, pedal, or button is fully disengaged.
Step 2: Neutral Gear (Manual and Automatic Transmissions)
- Manual Transmission: Place the gearshift in Neutral.
- Automatic Transmission: Place the gearshift in Park (P), then depress the brake pedal and shift into Neutral (N). It’s crucial to ensure the transmission is actually in neutral and not just in Park. Some manufacturers recommend specific procedures for towing automatic transmissions, so consulting the owner’s manual is vital.
Step 3: Consider Drivetrain Disconnection (Especially for AWD/4WD)
For vehicles with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, simply putting the transfer case in neutral might not be enough. Many manufacturers require the driveshaft to be disconnected to prevent damage to the transmission and transfer case. Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Step 4: Steering Wheel Lock
Ensure the steering wheel is unlocked. You can usually do this by turning the ignition key to the “Accessory” or “On” position (without starting the engine) and then turning the steering wheel. Some towing setups use a steering wheel lock specifically designed to keep the wheel straight.
Step 5: Secure the Vehicle
- Tow Dollies: If using a tow dolly, the front wheels of the towed vehicle are placed on the dolly and lifted off the ground. The rear wheels remain on the ground. The emergency brake must be off, and the transmission in neutral.
- Car Trailers (Flatbeds): The towed vehicle is loaded entirely onto the trailer. All four wheels are off the ground. This is the safest method as it puts no stress on the towed vehicle’s drivetrain or braking system. The emergency brake should still be released before loading.
- Tow Bars: Tow bars connect the towing vehicle directly to the towed vehicle. The towed vehicle’s front wheels are typically lifted off the ground. The emergency brake must be off, and the transmission in neutral.
Step 6: Check Owner’s Manual
This cannot be stressed enough. Every vehicle is different. The owner’s manual will provide specific instructions on how to prepare the vehicle for towing, including whether specific components need to be disconnected or if there are limitations on towing distance or speed.
Legalities of Towing with a Parking Brake Engaged
While specific laws vary by jurisdiction, towing a vehicle with its emergency brake engaged is almost certainly illegal and considered negligent operation.
- Unsafe Operation: Most traffic laws focus on ensuring vehicles are operated safely. Towing a vehicle that is actively resisting movement is inherently unsafe.
- Equipment Violations: Depending on how the braking system is compromised, it could be deemed a violation of equipment standards.
- Liability: If an accident occurs due to improper towing, the person responsible for the towing operation would likely bear significant liability.
In general, you are responsible for ensuring the vehicle you are towing is properly prepared and safe to be on the road. Failing to release the emergency brake would be a clear oversight.
Common Scenarios and Solutions
Let’s consider some common situations where you might encounter the emergency brake issue:
Scenario 1: You’ve Just Bought a Car and Need to Tow It Home
- Problem: You don’t have the key or the ignition is faulty, preventing you from turning it to the “Off” or “Accessory” position to release the parking brake electronically.
- Solution:
- Manual Release: Many vehicles have a manual release lever or cable for the parking brake, often located near the parking brake mechanism itself (e.g., under the center console or behind a panel). This might require some disassembly. Consult the owner’s manual or a mechanic.
- Professional Towing: The safest and most recommended option is to use a professional towing service. They have the equipment and expertise to handle these situations safely.
- Powering the Vehicle: If possible, try to provide temporary power to the vehicle (e.g., jump-start it) to allow you to turn the ignition and release the brake electronically.
Scenario 2: Your Car Broke Down on the Side of the Road
- Problem: Your car is immobile, and you need to tow it. The emergency brake is stuck engaged.
- Solution:
- Attempt Release: Try the parking brake lever/pedal/button firmly. Sometimes, a stuck brake just needs a strong jolt.
- Manual Release: As above, locate and use any manual release mechanism.
- Call for Assistance: Contact a tow truck. Explain the situation – that the emergency brake is engaged. The tow truck operator will know how to handle it, likely by manually releasing it or by using specialized dollies that can lift the affected wheels.
Scenario 3: Towing a Classic Car
- Problem: Classic cars often have robust, older cable-actuated emergency brake systems.
- Solution: Always ensure the emergency brake is fully released. Due to the age and potential stiffness of cables, they might be more prone to sticking. A thorough check and manual release if necessary are paramount. Flatbed towing is highly recommended for classic cars to minimize any potential stress on their systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will Towing with the Emergency Brake Damage My Tires?
Yes, absolutely. The tires on the wheels with the engaged brake will experience severe scrubbing and friction, leading to premature wear, flat spotting, or even delamination (separation of tread).
Can I Tow a Car with the Parking Brake Activated for a Short Distance?
It is strongly advised against. Even a short distance can cause significant heat buildup in the brake components, potentially warping rotors and damaging brake pads or shoes. The risk of tire damage also remains.
What Happens if I Tow a Car with the Handbrake On?
You risk severe damage to the towed vehicle’s brake system, tires, and potentially drivetrain. You also create a significant safety hazard due to the potential for loss of control and component failure.
Is it Illegal to Tow a Car with the Parking Brake Engaged?
Yes, in most places, it is considered unsafe operation and likely violates traffic laws related to vehicle condition and safe towing practices.
What is the Best Way to Tow a Disabled Vehicle with the Parking Brake?
The best way is to release the parking brake first. If it cannot be released, a professional tow truck with the appropriate equipment to manually release it or lift all four wheels (e.g., using a flatbed trailer) is necessary.
Can You Move a Car With the Emergency Brake On?
You can move it with force, but it will cause damage and wear. It’s not a recommended practice for anything beyond minor adjustments.
What are the Effects of Towing with Emergency Brake Engaged?
The primary effects are damage to brakes (overheating, warping, pad wear), tires (flat spotting, delamination, wear), and potentially the drivetrain. It also creates a significant safety risk.
What are the Legality of Towing with Parking Brake?
Towing with the parking brake engaged is generally considered illegal due to safety regulations and the inherent danger it presents.
What if I Accidentally Tow a Car with the Emergency Brake On?
If you discover this mistake during the tow, stop immediately and safely. Assess the towed vehicle for any signs of damage, such as hot wheels, smoke, or damaged tires. If you suspect damage, have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before driving it. You may need to replace brake components, tires, or even drivetrain parts.
What if My Car’s Emergency Brake is Stuck and I Need to Tow It?
Your best course of action is to call a professional towing service. They have the tools and expertise to deal with stuck emergency brakes, often through manual release mechanisms or by using equipment that lifts all four wheels off the ground.
Conclusion
The question of whether you can tow a car with the emergency brake on has a clear and unequivocal answer: no, you cannot and should not. The potential for severe mechanical damage to the towed vehicle, the risks to safety on the road, and the legal implications all point to the absolute necessity of ensuring the emergency brake is fully disengaged before any towing operation commences. Always prioritize proper towing procedures, consult your owner’s manual, and when in doubt, call a professional. Your wallet and your safety will thank you.