CAN A CAR BE TOWED WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON?

Learn can a car be towed with the parking brake on?. Also, find information on towing limits, the effects of the parking brake when towing, and other tips all car owners should know.

CAN A CAR BE TOWED WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON?

While it may be possible to tow a car that has its parking brake on, this is not something advisable. There will be added resistance when the brake is on that could further cause serious damage to the vehicle’s braking system and tires. It’s important that you ensure the release of the parking brake before towing your vehicle to avoid costly repairs and for safe towing. This will assist in protecting your car from unnecessary wear and tear by abiding by the laid-down guidelines that manufacturers have given and following the correct procedures while towing.


The distance by which a car can be towed varies with the type of vehicle and method used. Normally, a car can easily be towed a distance with the parking brake on, although that is not a good idea since it can cause some damage. Therefore, in towing, the manual of the car or any professional should be consulted to assure that the towing does not exceed safe limits and that systems of the vehicles are contained.

A Car Being Towed Away

How long it takes before a car is towed depends on most local authorities and situations in parking. In most areas, there are regulations that stipulate a time after which a car can be towed if it is parked illegally. Normally, a car should be parked within a certain time frame—from hours to days—before it is considered illegal depending on the location and the level of offense.


Manually operating an electronic handbrake while towing a car requires utmost care to prevent any damage to the braking system. During towing, it is always advisable to seek the guide provided by the manufacturer for any vehicle equipped with electronic parking brakes. In most cases, the electronic handbrake needs to be disabled either manually or electronically via a specific pattern of actions, which is usually specified in the owner’s manual of the car, before it can be safely towed.


Parking without the handbrake can be perilous, especially on slopes. Unless your handbrake is faulty or not available, make sure that it is in gear if manual transmission or ‘Park’ if it is an automatic transmission. Using wheel chocks adds more security to avoid rolling.


While it does not quite prevent the towing of a vehicle, the parking brake creates problem situations in cases of vehicle towing. If the car’s parking brake is engaged, it will resist and may lead to the development of problems around the wheels or braking system in case improper towing is done. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the towing method accommodates a parked vehicle to avoid unnecessary damage.

Crew and Race Staff Next to Broken Toyota Celica GT-Four Standing Behind the Tow Truck

While it is possible to tow a car with the handbrake on, doing so is not very advisable. Doing this has the potential for huge wear on the braking system and ensuing potential damage, which may include expensive repairs. Releasing the handbrake before towing is recommended.


This is like the handbrake. You can, yes, tow a car that has run off with the parking brake on, but this really is not the best idea. There will be drag created by the parking brake, which can consequently result in the overheating of the vehicle’s braking components. Always release the parking brake to prevent such issues when towing.


Leaving the parking brake on for extended periods, especially while driving or towing, can lead to overheating and damage to the brake system. This can cause reduced braking efficiency and potential failure. It’s important to check and disengage the parking brake to ensure the vehicle operates correctly and to avoid costly repairs.


Even though it is technically possible to tow a car with the parking brake on, this can actually cause serious damage to your vehicle’s braking system and tires. For the perfectly safe towing process and for saving money on expensive repairs, turn off the parking brake before starting to tow. Proper towing processes and manufacturer guidelines must be adhered to in order to have your car in good condition and avoid needless wear and tear. These precautions will go a great way in ensuring protection for your vehicle and keeping it in great shape.