No, you absolutely should not tow a car with the e-brake on, as this can lead to significant damage to the towed vehicle, the towing vehicle, and even create dangerous towing situations.
Towing a car with the e-brake on is a common concern for many people who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of needing to move a disabled vehicle. Whether it’s a friend’s car that won’t start, a vehicle you’ve just purchased that needs transport, or even your own car experiencing a breakdown, knowing the correct towing procedures is crucial. One of the most critical aspects of this is understanding the role of the parking brake, often referred to as the e-brake or handbrake. This blog post will delve deep into the question: Can you tow a car with the e-brake on? We will explore the severe risks involved, the specific types of damage that can occur, and the proper protocols for safe towing, especially when dealing with a car that has a parking brake issue.
Image Source: i.imgur.com
The Mechanics of the Parking Brake and Towing
Before we dive into the risks, it’s important to understand how a parking brake works. The parking brake is a separate braking system designed to hold a vehicle stationary when parked. It typically operates mechanically, engaging the rear wheels (though some systems can engage all four).
- How it works: When you pull the lever or press the pedal, a cable is tightened, which applies force to brake shoes or pads on the rear wheels. This mechanically locks the wheels, preventing them from turning.
- Why it’s used: It’s essential for preventing a car from rolling on inclines and as a backup braking system.
Towing a vehicle with the handbrake on means that these rear wheels, or potentially all four, are locked or partially locked. When you attempt to tow a vehicle with locked wheels, you are essentially dragging a very heavy, immovable object across the ground.
The Catastrophic Consequences of Towing with a Parking Brake Engaged
The immediate and most obvious consequence of towing a car with the parking brake on is the immense resistance it creates. This resistance puts an enormous strain on multiple components of both vehicles. Let’s break down the potential damage:
Damage to the Towed Vehicle
The towed vehicle bears the brunt of the abuse when the parking brake is engaged during a tow.
- Brake System Overheating and Failure: The most direct impact is on the parking brake mechanism itself. The constant friction of the engaged brake pads or shoes against the rotors or drums generates extreme heat. This can lead to:
- Brake Fade: The effectiveness of the brakes is reduced due to overheating.
- Warped Rotors/Drums: Extreme heat can cause metal to warp, leading to pulsating brake pedals and uneven braking in the future.
- Damaged Brake Pads/Shoes: The friction material can burn, glaze, or even melt, rendering them useless.
- Seized Calipers/Wheel Cylinders: In some cases, the heat can cause components to seize, making the parking brake permanently stuck.
- Tire Damage: The tires on the locked wheels will be dragged across the pavement. This can cause:
- Severe Flat Spotting: The rubber can wear down rapidly in one area, creating a flat spot.
- Tire Shredding: In extreme cases, the tire can be dragged so hard that it overheats and shreds.
- Blowouts: Overheated and damaged tires are more prone to catastrophic blowouts.
- Wheel Bearing Damage: The constant drag and uneven force can put excessive stress on the wheel bearings, leading to premature wear or failure.
- Drivetrain Damage (for some vehicles):
- Rear-Wheel Drive: If the driveshaft is still connected, dragging the rear wheels can cause significant damage to the transmission and differential. The lubricant may not circulate properly at these speeds and stresses, leading to overheating and mechanical failure.
- All-Wheel Drive/Four-Wheel Drive: Towing any AWD/4WD vehicle with all four wheels on the ground and the parking brake engaged is a recipe for disaster, potentially destroying the transfer case and differentials.
- Frame and Suspension Damage: The sheer force required to move a vehicle with a locked parking brake can put immense stress on the chassis, suspension components, and mounting points for the towing equipment. This could lead to bent frames, broken suspension parts, or damaged tow points.
Damage to the Towing Vehicle
The towing vehicle isn’t immune to the negative effects of towing a vehicle with the handbrake on.
- Transmission Damage: The towing vehicle’s transmission will be working incredibly hard to overcome the resistance. This can lead to overheating, premature wear, and potential failure, especially in automatic transmissions.
- Brake System Strain: While the towing vehicle’s brakes aren’t directly engaged by the parking brake of the towed car, the increased effort to move the weight can cause the towing vehicle’s brakes to work harder and overheat, especially if frequent braking is required.
- Engine Overheating: The engine will be under immense load, generating more heat. If the cooling system isn’t adequate or if the strain is prolonged, the engine could overheat.
- Tire and Suspension Wear: The increased weight and pulling force can put extra strain on the towing vehicle’s tires and suspension.
- Clutch Damage (Manual Transmissions): Excessive slipping and strain on the clutch can lead to premature wear and eventual failure.
Safety Risks
Beyond the mechanical damage, consequences of towing with parking brake extend to severe safety hazards.
- Loss of Control: The immense drag can make it incredibly difficult for the towing vehicle to maintain control, especially during turns or emergency maneuvers.
- Brake Failure: The overheating of the towed vehicle’s brakes can lead to a complete loss of braking capacity, making it impossible to slow down or stop safely.
- Attachment Failure: The excessive force can snap tow straps, break tow hooks, or damage the towing equipment, leading to the towed vehicle breaking free.
- Traffic Hazards: A vehicle with shredded tires or damaged wheels can leave debris on the road, creating hazards for other drivers.
Can You Damage a Car Towing with E-Brake?
Yes, as detailed above, you can certainly damage a car towing with the e-brake engaged. The potential damage towing a car with brake engaged is extensive and can range from minor cosmetic issues to catastrophic mechanical failure. It’s crucial to avoid this situation entirely.
Towing a Car with the Parking Brake Partially Engaged
Even towing a car with the parking brake partially engaged is not advisable. While it might seem like a small amount of drag, it’s still enough to cause significant issues over time or distance.
- Cumulative Heat: Even a slight engagement can cause the brakes to generate heat, which can build up over miles, leading to the same overheating and damage described earlier.
- Uneven Tire Wear: A partial engagement can cause one wheel to drag more than the other, leading to uneven tire wear.
- Increased Strain: The towing vehicle will still be working harder, leading to increased wear and tear on its components.
If you suspect the parking brake is only slightly engaged, it’s still best to disengage it completely before towing.
Safe Towing Practices: The Parking Brake
The golden rule for safe towing practices parking brake is simple: the parking brake must be disengaged.
How to Properly Prepare a Car for Towing
- Disengage the Parking Brake: This is the most critical step. Ensure the parking brake lever is fully released.
- Shift to Neutral: For automatic transmissions, shift the gear selector to “Neutral” (N). For manual transmissions, shift into neutral and ensure the clutch is released.
- Release the Clutch (Manual Transmission): If the car has a manual transmission, ensure the clutch pedal is not depressed or held down. If it’s a clutch-type system that needs to be disengaged, it’s usually done by shifting to neutral.
- Steering Wheel Lock: In most modern cars, the steering wheel will lock when the ignition is off. You will need to leave the ignition in the “Accessory” or “On” position (without starting the engine) to unlock the steering wheel, allowing the towed vehicle to follow the path of the towing vehicle. Be aware that this will drain the battery. Some vehicles require specific towing procedures for the steering system.
- Secure Towing Equipment: Use appropriate tow straps, chains, or a tow dolly/car trailer that are rated for the weight of the vehicle being towed. Ensure they are attached to designated tow points on both vehicles.
- Follow Towing Speeds and Distances: Adhere to recommended towing speeds and avoid long-distance towing if possible.
The Impact of the Towed Vehicle’s Parking Brake on the Towing Process
The impact of the towed vehicle parking brake can be devastating if not addressed. Imagine trying to pull a locked wagon; it’s incredibly difficult and damaging. The same principle applies to vehicles. The parking brake acts as an anchor, making the tow an uphill battle for the towing vehicle.
What to Do If You Need to Tow a Car with a Parking Brake Issue
Sometimes, the parking brake might be stuck or seized. In these situations, you need to know the best way to tow a car with parking brake issue or have advice on towing a car with a seized parking brake.
Scenarios and Solutions:
-
Parking Brake is Stuck ON (Cable Issue):
- Attempt Manual Release: Try to physically manipulate the parking brake lever or pedal. Sometimes, a jiggle or firm push can free it.
- Inspect Rear Wheels: If accessible and safe, you might try to spray a penetrating lubricant (like WD-40) on the parking brake mechanism at the wheels. Allow it to soak.
- Manual Drum Brake Adjustment: For older vehicles with drum brakes, there’s often an adjustment nut accessible from the back of the backing plate. With the wheel removed, you can sometimes loosen this adjustment to back off the brake shoes. This requires some mechanical knowledge.
- Professional Help: If the brake is truly seized and you cannot free it, it’s best to call a professional towing service that has the equipment to handle such situations, such as a flatbed tow truck.
-
Parking Brake Cable is Broken (but the brake was ON):
- If the cable is broken, but the brake mechanism is still engaged at the wheels, you have the same problem as above. You’ll need to try and manually release the brake shoes or pads from the rotors/drums.
-
Parking Brake Lever is Loose/Not Engaging (but it was previously ON):
- This is less of a towing problem and more of a maintenance issue for the towed vehicle. As long as the wheels are free to rotate, you can proceed with towing, but the parking brake will not function for the towed vehicle.
When a Flatbed Tow Truck is the Best Option
For vehicles with severely seized parking brakes, damaged wheels, or if you are uncomfortable attempting manual release, a flatbed tow truck is the safest and most recommended solution. A flatbed truck lifts the entire vehicle, meaning none of the wheels are rolling on the ground, completely bypassing the parking brake issue.
When to absolutely use a flatbed tow truck:
- When the parking brake is impossible to disengage.
- When the wheels are seized and won’t turn at all.
- If there’s visible damage to the wheels or tires.
- If you are unsure about the vehicle’s mechanical condition.
- For very heavy vehicles or vehicles with sophisticated AWD/4WD systems.
What if the parking brake is electric (EPB)?
Modern vehicles increasingly use Electric Parking Brakes (EPBs). These are electronic systems that engage and disengage the parking brake via a button.
- How EPBs are Disengaged: Typically, an EPB will automatically disengage when you start the engine and put the transmission in gear, provided the foot brake is pressed. If the engine is off, there’s usually a procedure to manually disengage it, often involving turning the ignition to “On” (but not starting) and pressing the EPB button. Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual for the specific procedure.
- Towing with EPB Engaged: Towing a car with an engaged EPB is just as damaging as a mechanical one. The system will lock the wheels. It’s critical to ensure the EPB is disengaged before towing.
- Battery Drain: If you need to keep the ignition “On” to unlock the steering wheel, and the EPB requires the ignition to be on to disengage, you will drain the battery. In such cases, a battery charger or a jump start might be needed during the tow, or a flatbed is again the preferred option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I tow a car with the parking brake on if it’s just a short distance?
A1: No, even short distances can cause damage. The heat buildup and mechanical stress can occur quickly, especially if the parking brake is fully engaged. It’s never worth the risk.
Q2: My car has an automatic transmission. Does that mean I don’t need to worry about the parking brake?
A2: No. An automatic transmission’s “Neutral” setting only affects the drivetrain. The parking brake is a separate system that locks the wheels mechanically or electronically. You must disengage the parking brake regardless of the transmission type.
Q3: How do I know if my parking brake is fully disengaged?
A3: Visually check the parking brake lever or pedal. It should be in its lowest position. If it’s an electronic parking brake, the indicator light on the dashboard should be off. If you can, gently try to push the car; it should roll freely (with the transmission in neutral).
Q4: What if I can’t disengage the parking brake and don’t have a flatbed?
A4: In this situation, it’s highly recommended to wait and arrange for a flatbed tow truck or a service that can safely release the brake. Attempting to tow with a seized brake can lead to much more expensive repairs than the cost of a proper tow.
Q5: Will towing with the e-brake on void my car’s warranty?
A5: Yes, any damage caused by towing with the parking brake engaged would almost certainly be considered user error and would likely void any warranty claims related to the drivetrain, brakes, or chassis that were affected.
Q6: Is it safe to tow a car with a broken parking brake cable?
A6: If the parking brake cable is broken, the parking brake might not engage. However, you must still ensure the parking brake mechanism at the wheels is not stuck in an engaged position. If it is, you have the same problems as a functioning but engaged parking brake. If the mechanism is free, then towing is generally safe, provided you disengage the transmission (neutral) and unlock the steering.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to “Can You Tow A Car With The E-Brake On?” is a resounding and emphatic NO. The potential for severe damage to the towed vehicle’s brake system, tires, drivetrain, and suspension, as well as risks to the towing vehicle and overall safety, makes it an action to be avoided at all costs. Always prioritize the correct preparation: disengage the parking brake, shift to neutral, and ensure the steering is unlocked. When faced with a seized or problematic parking brake, opt for the safety and reliability of a flatbed tow truck. Proper towing is about protecting your vehicles and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.