Pulling the parking brake while driving at high speed is dangerous and can cause serious damage not just to your car, but potentially to your life and the lives of others on the road.
The parking brake, also known as the emergency brake or handbrake, is designed for keeping your vehicle stationary when parked. It typically works by engaging the rear brakes using a mechanical system separate from the hydraulic foot brake. It’s not built to handle high-speed deceleration like your regular brakes.
If you suddenly pull it while driving fast, several things can happen:
1. Rear Wheels May Lock Up – Since the parking brake targets the rear wheels, locking them suddenly can cause your car to skid or spin out of control, especially if the road is slippery.
2. Loss of Steering Control – When the rear wheels lose traction, steering becomes almost impossible. Your vehicle could fishtail or even flip in extreme cases.
3. Damage to the Brake System – Using the parking brake this way can wear out or break its cables, making it useless when you actually need it.
In short, never pull the parking brake at high speeds. It’s not a stunt—it’s a recipe for disaster. Always use your foot brake to slow down safely
