Miata Mailing List: September 1999, Message #118

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>Is it BAD to set the parking brake all the time? 

There are pros and cons:
Bad:
-If the rotors are hot, the rotors can warp due to the hot spot under the pads.
-If the car sits outside for some time, the pads can rust to the rotors.
Over time, this can actually pit the rotors enough to be a real problem,
never mind the terrible feeling of the pads breaking loose when you try to
drive away

Good:
-If you don't use it regularly, it can sieze up.  Not cool if you ever do
need it.  I've had to crawl under a car in the middle of a snowstorm to
release the brake after it was used for the first time in years.
-If someone bumps your car, the transmission takes the impact.  Not cool.
If the brake's on, the brake does the work.

Your call.

Keith