[Greg H]

Hey all, I just bought a 2020 Corolla and I noticed that whenever I put the car in park, the electric parking brake (EPB) automatically engages. As an automotive engineer, I know stuff gets tested thoroughly before being released, but—also as an automotive engineer—I know sometimes consumers misuse or misunderstand the function of certain features on a vehicle, which can lead to premature failure.

I read that use of the EPB reduces stress on the transmission, but I’m also curious if anyone has had any experience with the EPB failing due to overuse. I park mostly on flat surfaces, so the EPB or transmission is never under that much stress, but I used to drive stick and I hate how the car rocks back and forth when you put it in park and let off of the brake (manual cars don’t do this because, obviously, the parking brake will always be set before the brakes are released), so if I could use the EPB that’d be great.

 

[Dehatchback]

I also hate EPB as it can’t be used to release the brake gradually as I do with traditional stick brake when starting or reversing at a steep gradient. Also I can’t move the car without engine start. I also afraid that will wear out the rear brake.

 

[Greg H]

That’s a good point, but wouldn’t the brake hold feature help you with that? Or is there a hill hold feature on stickshifts? Mine is a CVT so I don’t have experience with that.

 

[invader]

Just hold the parking brake switch down for a few seconds to disactivate its automatic function. It'll preserve the system while remaining quiet every time you stop and start again.

 

[Kennydooder]

Just hold the parking brake switch down for a few seconds to disactivate it. It'll preserve the system while remaining quiet every time you stop and start again.

That's what I did. I really hate that thing. I know ont certain BMW models they used a singular EPB unit to pull cables to each rear wheel thus engaging the parking braking brake. They had a high failure rate because they used plastic gears/shafts in critical areas. Hopefully years heat/cold cycles, salt, and road goo wont damage them on our 'Rollas.

 

[Desy]

I'm sure it'll wear down in time. But not any time soon. Maybe 15-20 years down the road?

 

[got-rice]

I'm sure it'll wear down in time. But not any time soon. Maybe 15-20 years down the road?

The cruise control and other safety gadgets would likely fail first before it in that period of time.

 

[pujuma]

I asked about this pattern I inherit from previous AT car: When car in parking space, flip on EPB first then shift to P.
But no answer/comments yet.