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Do you recommend disengaging the electronic handbrake to prevent brakes locking?

I read that it's advisable to disengage electronic handbrakes, on those cars having them, to prevent possible locking of brakes - especially where some cars may not be driven for a number of weeks due to lockdown. Is this the advice you would give?

Asked on 6 May 2020 by John Prodger

Answered by Georgia Petrie
If you own an automatic or hybrid car, you may be able to leave the handbrake off if the car is parked on a flat surface. However, if on the public road or a sloped driveway, we would not recommend doing this with a manual car as it will place the powertrain under a huge amount of stress if you leave it in gear. You will also face serious insurance and legal reputations if your vehicle rolls into another vehicle, causes an accident or injures someone.

If the brakes lock on, we'd recommend calling roadside assistance - which will fall under the car's warranty in many instances.
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