Can the car move without releasing the handbrake?
3 Answers
It can move, but it will increase the vehicle's fuel consumption, accelerate engine wear, and hasten brake pad wear. The following is an introduction to the handbrake: Handbrake: Also known as an auxiliary brake, it operates on a different principle from the main brake system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the car. Long-term use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, prolonged use will reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. Principle: After pulling the handbrake, it utilizes a hydraulic auxiliary cylinder to push the main hydraulic cylinder beneath the car, which activates an air valve. Once the air valve is engaged, it applies braking force to the drive shaft. The handbrake only brakes the drive shaft. After the drive shaft is braked, in the case of ordinary trucks, the handbrake lever's steel cable is used to achieve long-term braking.
This is a very interesting question, let me share a personal experience. Once when I was driving my child to school in a hurry, I started the engine and forgot to release the handbrake before stepping on the accelerator to move forward. The car could indeed move, but the speed was very slow, as if being dragged by something, and it felt heavy. When accelerating, the engine noise was particularly loud, and fuel consumption increased noticeably. At first, I thought it was just uneven road conditions, but after driving a few dozen meters, I smelled a strange odor and quickly pulled over to check. It turned out that the rear brake discs had become extremely hot. If not addressed in time, the friction and overheating could potentially cause a fire or brake failure. Since then, I’ve developed the habit of checking the dashboard to confirm the brake status before starting the car every time. Similar situations can also lead to excessive wear of the brake pads, causing them to wear out within a few months and requiring replacement, wasting hundreds of dollars for nothing. I advise everyone not to follow my example—always ensure the wheels are unlocked before releasing the handbrake. Safe driving truly saves money and peace of mind.
Driving with the parking brake engaged is indeed possible, but I've witnessed numerous safety warnings about such incidents. When you start the engine and press the accelerator, the car may crawl forward at a snail's pace with noticeable resistance, making it feel extremely strenuous. However, the real danger lies in the continuous friction that can cause brake pads and rotors to overheat to hundreds of degrees. At best, this drastically shortens component lifespan and causes abnormal noises; at worst, it can completely destroy the entire braking system, leading to failure—especially perilous on mountain roads. Last month, my neighbor forgot about this and drove on the highway until noticing abnormalities, with smoke billowing when stopping, nearly causing a fire. Regularly checking the dashboard warning lights is crucial as they illuminate to signal issues. Developing a habit of touching the brake before each startup can prevent these hazards. Remember, a simple oversight could compromise your vehicle's entire safety performance and even increase fuel consumption. Taking a few seconds to check the parking brake protects both your wallet and your life.
