Can regular use of an emergency break cause premature wear and tear on the
back breaks?

I have a 2004 Malibu (standard model). GM garage said the back breaks have
worn away and the rotor is all rusty. I asked why the back breaks would
wear so quickly (less then 39000 km). I didn't get a straight answer. The
breaks were replaced since there was less than 39K km on the car. However,
I had to pay to get the rotor machined.

I tend to use the emergency break whenever the car is on an incline/decline.
Long ago I was once told that that will prevent having the weight of the
car on the "pin". No I live in a house with a drive that has a slight
incline, enough that when the car is in neutral the car will roll onto the
road. So I use the emergency break every day.

So, should I keep using the emergency break regularly or should this "pin"
be strong enough?

Thanks

--
Chris

"Chris" <chris (AT) thisisnotanemailaddress (DOT) ca> wrote

Yes and yes.

Dealerships like to blame drivers for problems or say that it is normal.

It is not unusual to replace pads every 1-2 yrs, and rotors every 2 years.

Rear brakes getting rusty are normal. I am unsure of the setup for this
articular system (I haven't climbed under my car yes, its a 2004). If they
use a seperate barking system, not the pads, then yes that surface will get
rusty.

Micheal

"Chris" <> wrote in message
No. It is a good idea to use the parking brake,
especially when parked on an incline, this will
not cause wear on the brake. You should test
to see if the park brake is working by putting
the brake on, putting in neutral, and releasing
the regular brake to see if the brake hold on
an incline.

I don't know if 2004 has disc or drum rear brakes.
If dealer says the brakes need repair, then your
alternative is to take it to another brake service place and see what they
say. If the 'friction' surface of
the drum or rotor is rusty, then the brakes aren't
functioning properly and need service.