Can a car with the parking brake engaged be towed? Before considering the options, it is essential to understand the consequences of inflicting the brake whilst towing the vehicle. If you don’t, read on to learn additional helpful tips.
Introduction
Let us be honest, at some point, you will be in a scenario where your car is on the verge of being towed, or one where it is broken down somewhere. What if we said that it is possible to torque the vehicle with a parking brake activated? That’s fine, the presence of such a camera would provide a better angle and features, but what’s more surprising is that it could cause harm to the car itself!
It might be obvious to release the ordinary pull hand brake whilst towing the vehicle however for others it might seem like a nonsensical concern. Which brings us to today’s post on the potential issues that might arise if you deck the brakes instead. Lets now examine how you can carefully go towing.
What is a Parking Brake, and Why Does It Matter?
A parking brake (also referred to as an emergency brake or handbrake) is that feature in your car which prevents the car from moving when it is parked. It is either applied manually or electronically (in the case of the automatic parking brakes), which locks the car and prevents it from rolling down a hill or moving due to external force.
Even though it is designed to hold the car still when it’s parked, the parking brake is not used to keep the car stationary on-tow or mid drive. The car has many parts and if it has a brake embedded on, it will require effort from these parts to move the car which creates undue stress if little resistance is applied during a tow.
Can a Car Be Towed with the Parking Brake On?
Technically, a car can be towed with the handbrake disengaged yes, however, this is not wise. As most would expect, handing a car to a towing service with the parking brake still engaged one way or the other is bad for the vehicle.
Let’s take it from the start: the parking brake’s purpose is to keep all the wheels stationary. When that’s the case, the axles will have to rotate which makes the situation even worse than it already is. That particular torsional strain can do a ton of damage to the tires, brakes, and even the cars drivetrain system. Not only that when there’s friction there’s heat which means that the brake system’s components will be excessively fried.
All in all, unless one knows how to deal with it towing a car with the handbrake engaged on the other end is not recommended.
Potential Damage from Towing with the Parking Brake On
Leaving the parking brake engaged while towing a car can cause several issues. Some of the most common problems include:
- Tire and Brake Damage: The friction caused by dragging the car with the brake engaged can cause rapid wear on the tires. In some cases, it could even lead to tire blowouts if the towing is prolonged.
- Overheating of Brakes: The brakes are designed to hold the car in place but not to function under constant movement. The heat generated from friction can damage the brake pads and even warp the brake rotors.
- Stress on the Drivetrain: Towing a car with the parking brake on forces components like the axles and transmission to work harder than they’re designed to. This could result in unnecessary wear and tear or even breakage in severe cases.
- Damage to Tow Truck Equipment: If the car is being towed improperly (like with a tow truck not lifting the car off the ground), the added resistance from the parking brake could cause damage to the towing vehicle or equipment as well.
When Does Towing with the Parking Brake Happen?
There are a few situations where towing a car with the parking brake on might accidentally occur:
- Accidental Engagement: Sometimes, drivers forget to release the parking brake before the car is towed. It’s easy to overlook, especially in emergencies.
- Emergency Towing: In some cases, a car may need to be towed immediately, and the person towing may not realize that the brake is still on.
- Malfunctioning Brake: Occasionally, a parking brake may get stuck or malfunction, remaining engaged even when it shouldn’t.
Towing Methods and Their Impact on a Car with the Parking Brake On
Different towing methods impact a car’s systems in different ways. If your parking brake is on, it’s crucial to know which method of towing will cause the least harm.
- Flatbed Towing: This is the safest method for towing a car with the parking brake on. A flatbed tow truck lifts all four wheels off the ground, meaning there’s no friction between the tires and the road. This prevents most of the damage that might occur with other methods.
- Dolly Towing: This method involves lifting two wheels of the car off the ground while the other two wheels are dragged. If the parking brake is on, this could cause significant tire and brake damage to the wheels that are still in contact with the ground.
- Hook and Chain Towing: This traditional method uses a tow truck to pull the car by attaching hooks or chains. If the parking brake is on, it can cause the car to drag awkwardly, leading to strain on the tow vehicle and the car itself.
- Four-Wheel Lift Towing: A more modern method that lifts the entire vehicle off the ground, reducing strain on the tires and brakes. This method can be safe if the parking brake is left on, as long as the car is lifted properly.
How to Safely Tow a Car with the Parking Brake On
While it’s always best to disengage the parking brake before towing, there are situations when you may not be able to do so. Here’s how to minimize damage in such cases:
- Release the Parking Brake Manually: For most manual parking brakes, you can simply release the brake. If you can’t, try using a manual override or ask for professional help.
- Consult the Owner’s Manual: Some cars have unique systems or ways to release the brake. Check the manual for specific instructions on how to release the parking brake properly in a towing scenario.
- Call a Professional: If you’re unsure about the process or are worried about causing damage, call a towing company that specializes in handling such situations.
Preventing Damage During Towing
To avoid any issues with towing, here are some preventive steps:
- Check the Parking Brake Before Towing: Always double-check that the parking brake is disengaged before towing your car.
- Maintain Your Brakes: Regularly service your brake system to ensure that the parking brake functions properly.
- Use a Flatbed Tow Truck: If possible, opt for flatbed towing to minimize damage, especially if you’re unsure whether the parking brake has been disengaged.
Legal and Insurance Considerations
If your car is damaged during towing with the parking brake on, you might be wondering about who’s responsible.
- Liability for Damage: In most cases, the responsibility lies with the party who towed the vehicle if they didn’t properly prepare it for towing.
- Insurance Coverage: Check your auto insurance policy to see if towing-related damages are covered, especially in scenarios where the parking brake was not disengaged.
Conclusion
In conclusion, towing a car with the parking brake on can cause significant damage to the car’s tires, brakes, and drivetrain. While it’s possible to tow a car with the brake engaged, it’s not recommended. The best approach is to always check that the parking brake is released before towing, and if you’re unsure, seek professional help.
By following these tips and precautions, you can protect your vehicle from unnecessary damage and ensure a safe and smooth towing experience.
FAQs
- What happens if my car is towed with the parking brake on?
- Towing with the brake on can cause tire wear, overheating of the brakes, and potential damage to the drivetrain.
- Can electronic parking brakes disengage during towing?
- Some cars with electronic parking brakes may require special tools or procedures to disengage the brake during towing.
- How can I tell if my parking brake is stuck?
- If the car feels unusually resistant while towing or if the brake light stays on even after releasing the brake, it could be stuck.
- Can I tow my car with the parking brake on for a short distance?
- While it’s not ideal, towing a car with the parking brake engaged for a very short distance might cause minimal damage. However, it’s always best to release the brake if possible.
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