I would always use the parking brake with a manual transmission but never with an Automatic. Just wasn't raised that way, I guess.

It was the passenger side rear that was dragging. took the caliper off, pulled off the disc/drum and everything looked good. Backed the auto adjuster out as far as it would go and put everything back together. Could push the car around the shop just like before. Did an oil and filter change while I had it on the lift. Retorqued all the lug bolts (new tires a few weeks ago) Washed it and got ready to go home. Stopped at a Auto Show in town (wished I'd known about it earlier and would have participated), had lunch and then finally headed for home. Backed into the garage and smelled a bit of brake heat. Sure enough the passenger side rear is hot to touch again. Drivers side has hardly any heat and both fronts seem a bit warm but not hot. Wish I had my infrared thermometer, but it's 180 miles away (round trip) Will bring it next week if I don't take the car on Tuesday.

As far as anyone ever breaking a parking pawl, never heard of it. If someone hit's my car that hard I would hope it would move.

Rod