Obviously, it slows you down, but what gets worn out, and how much does it cost to replace?

 

I've got to check the helms manual. Most cars have a separate set of e-brake pads in the rear disk. If that's the case they do wear out (slowly) and cost 2-3 times more than the regular pads to replace.

 

Using the e-brake will keep your car from rolling, instead of using your transmission by putting it in drive (AT) or in gear (MT).

If your car is already moving, however, and you decide to use the e-brake, you'd better know what you're doing...

 

I believe when you pull on the e-brake, the cable yanks on a lever that mechanically (as opposed to hydraulically) holds the pads against the rotor. It should never be used to slow the car down. It should be used for holding the car when parked and for me, this is in conjunction to leaving the car in gear when parked. As with any cable actuated device that has significant force applied to it, this cable will stretch and need to be adjusted. A time will come when it is adjusted as far as possible and the cable will need to be replaced.

 

It is a parking brake, and the name 'emergency' brake is not even appropriate. Using it for anything other than parking is dangerous, and unnecessary in every case I have ever heard of as today's dual system rarely fail. Using it for parking does nothing to the car.

 

You people are all clueless. These breaks are meant to be used to quickly change the direction of the car. It must used in conjunction with a sudden crank of the steering wheel. For best results, use on a rain soaked or snow covered surface.

 

Actually, "Emergency Brake" is quite appropriate. Along with its everyday uses, the E-brake is also a backup in case of brake failure. If you're rolling down a hill with no hydraulic brakes, you better hope you have something else to slow you down. Who cares if your brakes aren't likely to fail, its still possible. They taught us this in basic drivers ed...

 

We, in "igloo" land, already know this.

 

 

It can be used on dry surfaces too if the curve is tempting enough, the speed is high enough, and traffic is light It is one of the quickest ways to set up for a sharp drift angle