Reversed with parking brake

CASMIHOK

MEMBER
2003 BUICK CENTURY
176,000 MILES

So this is my late grandfather's car, which makes me want to baby it like it is an infant alright. So keep in mind this car means something to me and add in OCD and you have an anxious day after this mistake I regret deeply -
I set the parking brake, I was in a rush to leave because store was closing in a few minutes and Grandma needed her pills! Long story short I forgot about the brake and reversed about 25/30 feet out of the driveway. I disengaged it and then drove on my way, research online is telling me that all I did was wear the brakes more than usual? Is that correct? The brakes and everything feel perfectly fine, and the parking brake holds the car in place when in drive, but in reverse it does not. What does this mean? What did I do in that 10 meters? Permanent damage? Please somebody help me ease this regret and anxiety lmao, I know cars are designed to hold up and I take care of my things so seriously. I feel foolish, and I hope I didn't screw up too bad. Let me know and thank you in advance!

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,348 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Honestly, you didn't hurt anything, not in that distance. Actually, I can't even imagine that you wore the brakes at all.

As far as the parking brake, because of design, they work better from preventing the vehicle from moving forward. So the idea that it doesn't hold as well when reversing isn't odd. Think about it. If it was holding really well going backwards, the car most likely wouldn't have moved when you forgot to release the brake.

I have to share this with you to help put your mind at ease. Here are the adjustment directions for the parking brake. (One part of the directions). Note what direction the rear wheels have to be turned to check if the brake is working properly.

" Apply the park brake five clicks and check the forward rotation of the rear wheels." Even the directions require it to be checked moving forward. So, if it is holding forward, it is working correctly.

If you have any concerns, please feel free to let me know and I'll help you.

Take care,
Joe

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Saturday, July 6th, 2019 AT 2:25 PM

CASMIHOK

MEMBER
194 POSTS

Thank you! What do you mean five clicks? This car is new to me and all I've noticed is an on and off position and when it's on there is a bright red light on the dash, thanks again!

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Saturday, July 6th, 2019 AT 2:25 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,348 POSTS

No problem. What that is referring to is how many times the ratchet on the parking brake lever clicks. At five clicks, it won't hold the vehicle but when adjusting the brakes, that is what they use as a test point to see if it is somewhat holding. If you push real slowly on the parking brake pedal, you will hear one click at a time. There is a ratchet gear that is what holds the brake on. When you release the brake, it goes to the off position and the pedal returns to the upward position.

Honestly, I can't see how you have anything to worry about. You really did nothing. People do it all the time with no issues.

Do this. You drive the vehicle for a few days and see if anything seems different. If anything changes, you let me know and I will help you get it fixed. I'm online here 7 days a week.

Take care and let me know if I can help in any way.

Joe

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Saturday, July 6th, 2019 AT 2:25 PM