Do I need to repair my car if I drove 10+ kilometers with the handbrake on?
4 Answers
You should get it checked. Driving with the handbrake engaged directly accelerates brake disc wear, causes the brake pads to harden due to overheating, and stretches the handbrake cable. This increases vehicle wear and fuel consumption, and in severe cases, may lead to accidents. Below are the consequences of driving with the handbrake on: 1. High brake disc temperature: The rear brake discs overheat, emitting a burning smell, and may even turn red in severe cases, leading to significant brake fade and reduced braking performance. 2. Brake pad wear: This accelerates brake pad wear, shortening their lifespan. 3. Increased fuel consumption: Fuel efficiency drops noticeably, acceleration becomes sluggish, and you may feel a dragging sensation when releasing the throttle.
That time I also forgot to release the handbrake while driving, and only realized it after driving over ten kilometers. The car felt unusually heavy and couldn’t accelerate properly. Later, upon inspection, I found that the rear brake pads were severely worn. Leaving the handbrake on caused the braking system to overheat, potentially scratching or warping the brake disc surfaces, and even raising the brake fluid temperature could affect overall performance. Driving like this long-term significantly shortens brake pad lifespan and increases driving risks—if you can’t stop in an emergency, it’s serious trouble. I recommend immediately taking it to a professional shop for a thorough brake system inspection, including brake disc flatness, pad thickness, and adjuster condition. Don’t delay replacing necessary parts—safety comes first, and don’t underestimate this mistake.
A friend of mine drove his new car for over ten kilometers without releasing the handbrake. He said he didn’t notice anything unusual at the time, but later felt the brake pedal was a bit soft. In fact, short distances might not be a big issue, but overheating can cause the brake pads to warp and wear out faster, so I advised him to get it checked immediately. Now, he’s developed the habit of confirming the handbrake is released before starting the car to avoid repeating the mistake. Driving with the handbrake engaged can cause long-term damage to components due to constant pressure. If you smell burning or notice reduced braking efficiency, it’s absolutely necessary to get it repaired. Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a big problem.
Driving more than 10 kilometers with the parking brake engaged can indeed damage your car. The braking system endures additional frictional heat, wearing down the brake pads and disc surfaces, thereby shortening their lifespan. During inspection, pay special attention to the rear wheel brake components for any signs of scorching or deformation, and replace them if necessary to save money and hassle. Preventing this is simple—just take a quick glance at the dashboard warning lights before starting your car.
