Remember the days when engaging a parking brake meant pulling up a lever between the seats? Those simpler times in automotive technology have evolved dramatically over the past decade. Now, sleek buttons have replaced mechanical levers, and sophisticated computer systems control what was once a straightforward cable mechanism. This evolution has created significant challenges for towing professionals across Houston.
At Bliss Towing Services Houston, we’ve adapted our techniques and equipment to handle these modern complexities. Every week, our team encounters vehicles with electronic parking brake systems that require specialized knowledge to safely transport. If you’re driving a newer vehicle model and ever find yourself needing roadside assistance, understanding these challenges could save you time, money, and potential vehicle damage. Call us at 281-849-9991 when you need towing experts who understand modern vehicle technology.
In this article, you’ll discover how electronic parking brakes work, why they present unique towing challenges, how professional wheel lift systems have adapted to address these issues, and what you as a vehicle owner should know before your car needs towing.
Electronic parking brakes (EPBs) first appeared in luxury vehicles around 2001 but have now become standard equipment in many mainstream cars, SUVs, and trucks. Unlike traditional handbrakes that use cables to mechanically apply brake pressure, EPBs use electric motors controlled by a simple button or switch on your dashboard.
There are two primary types of electronic systems you’ll find in vehicles around Houston. The first uses electric motors to pull traditional brake cables. The second, more advanced system, employs motors integrated directly into the brake calipers themselves. These caliper-integrated systems are becoming increasingly common in newer models from manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet.
Why did automakers make this switch? The benefits include:
But these conveniences come with a trade-off. The same technology that makes parking easier for drivers creates new complications when these vehicles need to be towed.
When a vehicle with an engaged electronic parking brake needs towing, several complications arise that many drivers don’t anticipate. Unlike traditional handbrakes, EPBs electronically lock the wheels and can’t be manually released without proper system access. Attempting to tow with the EPB engaged risks serious damage to both braking components and transmission systems.
The challenge intensifies when vehicles have low battery power—common during breakdowns. Many modern cars automatically enter a security mode that keeps the parking brake engaged as a safety measure.
Additionally, these electronic brakes interconnect with multiple vehicle systems including traction control and anti-lock brakes. Improper towing can trigger cascading fault codes throughout these systems, resulting in expensive diagnostic work and repairs.
This evolution in braking technology is why DIY towing methods have become increasingly risky. What was once a straightforward process now requires specialized knowledge and equipment that only professional services typically possess.
The towing industry has evolved alongside automotive technology. Today’s professional wheel lift systems bear little resemblance to the simple hook-and-chain methods used decades ago. These modern systems are specifically designed to safely transport vehicles with sophisticated electronic components.
At the heart of proper electronic parking brake handling is the ability to interface with vehicle computer systems. Professional towing technicians now carry specialized diagnostic tools that can communicate with your vehicle’s onboard computers. These tools allow them to temporarily deactivate electronic parking brakes, even in situations where the normal dashboard controls aren’t responding.
Modern wheel lift systems also feature adjustable boom angles and specialized wheel cradles that can secure vehicles without putting pressure on sensitive undercarriage components. This careful positioning is crucial for vehicles with low ground clearance and complex undercarriage designs – common features in cars equipped with electronic parking brakes.
The towing professional’s knowledge is as important as their equipment. Each vehicle manufacturer implements electronic parking brakes differently, requiring specific procedures for safe transport. Our technicians regularly update their training to stay current with new models entering the Houston market.
When a vehicle with an electronic parking brake needs towing, several key procedures ensure its safe transport:
These precise procedures highlight why professional towing services have become more specialized as vehicle technology advances.
If you drive a modern vehicle with an electronic parking brake, being prepared before you need towing can save considerable hassle. Here’s what you should know:
First, familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s emergency brake release procedure. Most manufacturers include this information in the owner’s manual, often in the roadside assistance section. This knowledge can be valuable in emergency situations.
When calling for towing assistance, always mention that your vehicle has an electronic parking brake system. This simple detail alerts the towing service to send appropriately equipped trucks and technicians.
Before allowing your vehicle to be towed, don’t hesitate to ask about the service’s experience with your specific make and model. Questions like “How do you handle electronic parking brakes?” and “What special equipment do you use for modern vehicles?” can help verify their expertise.
If your vehicle has suffered electrical system damage or battery depletion, inform the towing service in advance. These conditions require additional steps to safely prepare your vehicle for transport.
The days of simple vehicle systems are behind us. As automobiles become more sophisticated, so must the services that support them. Electronic parking brakes represent just one of many technological advances that have transformed how vehicles need to be handled during towing situations.
At Bliss Towing Services Houston, we’ve invested in the equipment and training needed to safely transport even the most technologically advanced vehicles throughout Houston and surrounding areas. Our wheel lift systems are specifically designed to address the challenges presented by modern vehicles, including those with sensitive electronic parking brake systems.
The next time you need wheel lift towing assistance for your vehicle with an electronic parking brake, remember that expertise matters. Call us at 281-849-9991 for service that understands the complexities of modern automotive technology. Your vehicle’s sophisticated systems deserve nothing less than professional care from start to finish.
