Q: What became of emergency brakes on cars? Can the parking brake be used in an emergency?
B.K., Riverwoods, Illinois
A: Originally, the service brakes were applied using a lever and cables. Eventually, hydraulic brakes operating brake shoes inside brake drums made the brakes easier to modulate. The lever that hung around in case those old hydraulic brakes faded or failed could be used to eventually stop the car. No more. It has morphed into the parking brake. The parking brake is essentially useless for emergency applications. You can’t rely on it to stop the vehicle.
