My brother drove my car with the parking brake on

[assemboy]

I just got home from work and found out that my brother had borrowed my I35 and drove about 10-15 miles. I am kinda worrried about the damage this caused. I had parked my car on a hill and thats why the parking brake was activated. He was too dumb to see that on the dashboard . What do I do at this point get it checked out or just forget about it? Your help is really appreciated!!

[jltibbs]

Drive it like normal for about 5 miles, then get out and smell the rear brakes. If you smell something that resembles burning electrical components, then you need to take it to a shop. If not, you're golden.

[assemboy]

Drive it like normal for about 5 miles, then get out and smell the rear brakes. If you smell something that resembles burning electrical components, then you need to take it to a shop. If not, you're golden.

What would I need to change if I smell burning... what am I looking at? brakes or something else?

Thanks again

[assemboy]

Jtibbs,
I just did what you recommended and no "burning" smell, the brakes smelled as usuall... Anything else I need to do?

[loystock]

Looks like your rear brakes survived. 10-15 miles may not be that bad, depending on how much pressure was applied on the rear brakes. Verify the parking brake is not stuck - release the parking brake, jack up the rear wheels (on a level surface) and make sure the wheels spin freely. Additional check may be done by removing the rear wheels and checking the condition of the pads, rotors and calipers.

[fiveliterbeater]

the rear brakes should be the least of your concern. a fellow ford owner a few years back did the same thing and basically overheated his transmission and burned up the clutchpack inside. long story short he needed a new transmission.