[Leslie]

I was parked on a hill the other day and set my parking brake. I forgot I had done it and drove several blocks without releasing it (it obviously doesn't work as well as it should!) and my brakes were smelling burnt when I realized it and released it. Ooops.

[MaximumSpeed]

Wow, that's not good! Maybe you need to get one of those notepads that sticks on your dash and make a note on it when you set the brake so you won't forget to release it.

[Leslie]

Maybe I should! The problem, though, is that my dashboard is that textured style that the suction cups won't adhere to, and there isn't any other place to put it that I would always see.

[Hotrod25]

Wow, that is not good at all. I'm thinking that your parking brake really stinks! You better get it checked out to make sure it works properly the next time that you need it to work.

[FenderBender]

I would go and get it checked out if you noticed a smell. That isn't good. I would definitely be leaving yourself a note somewhere next time even if you have to duct tape it to the dash!

[Leslie]

Yeah, it obviously needs some adjustment if I can drive with it on, anyway! I'm not sure how badly I damaged it, but I haven't had a chance to take it in yet.

[Lamboguy]

That sounds bad. I had something like that happen to me a long time ago when I first started driving a stick shift. I actually did it a few times where I forgot to release the brake, but one time was almost bad. It was rush hour traffic basically and I was coming to a red light and the brakes didn't work. I ran right through the red light. Thankfully I didn't get hit! I thought my brakes went out, but realized my parking brake was still on. Very scary.

[kentkars]

Sometimes (or more), there's just too many other things to think about than releasing the parking brake. If newer cars didn't have built releases or reminders for the brake, more people than not would be driving blissfully, for at least a short distance with the brake on.

[Hotrod25]

More things to think about other than releasing your brake that you put on? Wow, that is an odd statement. If you use your parking brake often then you should know to release it. It's going to be costly one of these times.

[vroombaby]

I am guessing you wore the pads down a good bit if that is the case. Head into a shop to have them double check it, the last thing you want is no brakes when you need them.