New technology meets old (A warning about newer toads & electronic e-brakes)
The new technology on our 2013 Subaru Outback toad ( have had it since April 2013 and been towing with it the whole time) met the old technology (me ) yesterday. We stopped to rest for a couple of days at a little Passport America park in Wikieup Arizonza. I did not unhook the car, but I did take the key out. While getting ready to drive, I put the key in the ignition, turned it to the first spot ( not aux as it would drain the battery, just enough to unlock the steering), made sure the stick was in neutral, pulled the electronic brake release twice ( to be sure) and did the rest of my checks. Karen asked me if I checked the car as I was getting ready to pull out and I replied yes.
Noticed nothing on the sand but as soon as I turned on the road and hit the throttle, I noticed white smoke in the mirror. Pulled over right away and went back to the car- sure enough, the parking brake was on. I jumped in, started the engine, saw the light, released the brake, turned it off and checked my tires. Lost a little tread, but they are original tires with 35000 +
miles on them and I plan on replacing them in 2015. Very lucky that was all that happened.
Lesson learned: With the new electronic brakes, always start the car to release it. It does not work like in the good old days where you can just pull the release or pull the handle down. New technology is good in many ways, but I like the old technology for something like this. SOP usually works well when I am hooking up the car, but this was a different procedure (not SOP). Oh well, maybe I am just getting old.
Merry Christmas and safe travels to all
Ted & Karen
Topic: New technology meets old (A warning about newer toads & electronic e-brakes) (Read 439 times)
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