Can You Continue Driving After Smelling Burning Due to Forgetting to Release the Handbrake?
2 Answers
You cannot continue driving after smelling burning due to forgetting to release the handbrake. Relevant information about the handbrake is as follows: 1. Introduction: The professional term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the principle of the main brake, it uses a steel wire cable connected to the rear brake shoes to brake the vehicle. Long-term use of the handbrake can cause the steel wire to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, prolonged use will reduce its effectiveness, and the handbrake's travel distance will increase. 2. Complementary Use: The handbrake is used in conjunction with a return spring. When the handbrake is engaged, the spring is stretched; when the handbrake is released, the spring returns to its original length. Long-term use of the handbrake can also cause corresponding deformation in the spring.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered this situation several times. The burning smell is definitely caused by the handbrake not being released, leading to overheated brake pads or tires leaving scorch marks. You absolutely must not continue driving, as the friction will cause temperatures to keep rising. The tires could wear through or even catch fire, which would be extremely dangerous. Immediately pull over to a safe spot, turn off the engine, and check if the brake discs are hot or discolored. If they've turned black, it means they're already damaged. Also, I recommend towing the car to a repair shop for mechanics to inspect whether the braking system is damaged. Make it a habit to glance at the handbrake before driving. Though this seems like a small mistake, the potential risks are huge. Don't think you can tough it out - a friend of mine ignored it once and ended up spending thousands on repairs. Safety first - don't take the risk!