Can you drive with electric parking brake light on?
The short answer is that you generally should not drive with the electric parking brake light on, as it indicates an issue with the parking brake system that needs to be addressed. However, the specific circumstances and the nature of the problem can affect whether it is safe to continue driving.
Understanding the Electric Parking Brake Light
The electric parking brake light is a warning indicator on the dashboard that illuminates when there is a problem with the vehicle's parking brake system. This light is designed to alert the driver to an issue that requires attention, as driving with the parking brake engaged or a malfunctioning parking brake can be dangerous and potentially cause damage to the vehicle.
Potential Causes of the Electric Parking Brake Light
The electric parking brake light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, including:
- The parking brake is partially or fully engaged
- There is a problem with the parking brake actuator or related components
- The parking brake system is low on fluid or has a leak
- There is a problem with the parking brake sensor or wiring
It's important to diagnose the underlying cause of the parking brake light to determine the appropriate course of action.
Driving with the Electric Parking Brake Light On
In general, it is not recommended to drive with the electric parking brake light illuminated, as it indicates a problem that could potentially compromise the safety and performance of the vehicle. Driving with the parking brake engaged can cause the brake pads to wear down prematurely and generate excessive heat, potentially leading to brake system damage.
However, if the parking brake light is on but the parking brake itself is not engaged, it may be possible to drive the vehicle for a short distance to a safe location, such as a repair shop, to have the issue diagnosed and addressed. In this case, it's important to drive cautiously and avoid sudden stops or high-speed maneuvers.
If the parking brake light is on and the parking brake is engaged, it is generally not safe to drive the vehicle, as the parking brake will be partially or fully applied, reducing the effectiveness of the main braking system. In this situation, it's best to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
In summary, while it may be possible to drive a short distance with the electric parking brake light on in some cases, it is generally not recommended to do so, as it indicates a problem with the parking brake system that needs to be addressed. The safest course of action is to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the braking system.
Why is my electronic parking brake light on?
Typically, your brake system warning light being on means your parking brake is engaged, but if you're still seeing the red (or orange) warning on your dash while the parking brake is disengaged, you will need to get your brakes inspected as soon as possible.
Is it safe to drive with parking brake light on?
It is generally not safe to drive with the parking brake light on. Driving with the parking brake light on can cause a lot of problems. It can make your brakes work less effectively, create too much heat, wear out the brake parts unevenly, damage the parking brake system, and even put you in danger during emergencies.
What happens if you drive with an electronic parking brake on?
“We found that the electronic parking brake does stop the vehicle,” says Mike Crossen, Consumer Reports' auto technician. “When the parking brake engages, it can best be described as a noisy stop. The overall experience falls somewhere between a panic stop and normal braking.”
Is it okay to drive with an EPB light on?
If the Parking Brake warning light remains on after the Parking Brake is released whilst the engine is running, there may be a malfunction in the brake system. If possible, stop driving the vehicle immediately.
