Are Electronic Parking Brakes Better Than Traditional Parking Brakes?

Electronic parking brakes, also known as e-brakes, are a relatively new technology that is slowly becoming more common in modern vehicles. Traditional parking brakes also called handbrakes or emergency brakes, use a cable and a lever to engage the brakes and prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked. Motorized parking brakes, on the other hand, use electric motors to activate the brakes.

Advantages

Electronic parking brakes offer several advantages over traditional parking brakes. One of the most significant advantages is that they are much more reliable. Traditional parking brakes rely on a cable and a lever to engage the brakes, and these components can wear out over time, making the parking brake less effective. Electronic parking brakes, on the other hand, use electric motors that are much more durable and require less maintenance.

• Another advantage of electronic parking brakes is that they are much easier to use. Traditional parking brakes require the driver to pull a lever, which can be difficult for some people, especially if the lever is located in an awkward position. Electronic parking brakes, on the other hand, can be engaged with the push of a button or the flip of a switch, making them much more convenient to use.
• Electronic parking brakes also take up less space in the vehicle. Traditional parking brakes require a lever and a cable, which can take up a significant amount of space in the center console or on the dashboard. Motorized parking brakes, on the other hand, are much smaller and can be integrated into the vehicle’s existing electronics.
• In addition to their reliability, ease of use, and effectiveness, electronic parking brakes also offer several other advantages. For example, they can be integrated with other safety systems in the vehicle, such as the anti-lock braking system and the electronic stability control system, to provide a more comprehensive safety package. They can also be programmed to engage automatically when the vehicle is turned off or when the driver’s seatbelt is unbuckled, adding an extra layer of safety.

Disadvantages

• Cost to repair, electronic parking brakes use an electric motor controlled by the vehicle’s main computer to apply the parking brake. These electric actuators can fail and are rather costly to replace ranging from $200 to $600.
• Repairability, the days of replacing brakes the old-fashioned way with a c-clamp are slowly fading. With the new electric parking brakes, you often need an advanced OBD2 scanner to reset the parking brake to factory position in order to replace the rear brake pads. This makes it hard on the average do-it-yourself type. If your vehicle is equipped with an electronic parking brake it’s always best to refer to your manufactures repair procedures before you cost yourself big time.

Are electronic parking brakes effective?

One of the main concerns that people have with electronic parking brakes is that they may not be as effective as traditional parking brakes. However, this is not the case. They are just as effective as traditional parking brakes, and in some cases, they may even be more effective. Electronic parking brakes can be programmed to engage the brakes more forcefully than a traditional parking brake, making them more effective at preventing the vehicle from rolling.

In conclusion, electronic parking brakes are a relatively new technology that offers several advantages over traditional parking brakes. They are more reliable, easier to use and take up less space in the vehicle. They are just as effective as traditional parking brakes, and in some cases, they may even be more effective. As they become more common in modern vehicles, they will continue to improve and provide drivers with a safer, more convenient parking experience.

As always if you are in need of a brake repair don’t hesitate to reach out through our free estimate page we make many repairs on vehicles equipped with electronic parking brakes.