Does a Broken Handbrake Affect Driving?
3 Answers
Handbrake damage affects driving. Impact of handbrake damage on driving: Driving with the handbrake engaged directly accelerates wear on the brake discs and causes the brake pads to harden due to overheating, as well as stretching the handbrake cable. This leads to reduced braking performance, and sometimes the burnt smell you notice comes from this. In severe cases, smoke may emerge from the rear of the vehicle. It may also cause the brake caliper to seize, brake fluid leakage, excessively high brake fluid temperature, resulting in complete loss of braking function. The faster the speed, the greater the wear on the braking components, and it can also cause some damage to the tires. If driving with the handbrake engaged, you may noticeably experience slow acceleration, significant jerking, and high engine RPM. Emergency measures: If you encounter driving with the handbrake engaged and notice a strong burnt smell or smoke from the rear of the vehicle, you should immediately slow down, brake, and release the handbrake. Do not continue driving at this point. Pull over to the side of the road, wait for the vehicle to cool down, and carefully check for any abnormalities. Never simply release the handbrake and continue driving while the vehicle is still at a high temperature.
I've been driving for over twenty years. A broken handbrake mainly affects parking. If you park on a slope, the car is prone to rolling and causing accidents, especially on rainy days or when the road is slippery. You don't need to worry too much during normal driving because the foot brake can control the speed without affecting the driving rhythm. However, a broken handbrake might be a potential signal indicating aging or wear in the braking system. If left unrepaired, it could affect other components. I remember once when my old car's handbrake failed, I had to find rocks to block the wheels when parking on a slope, which was super troublesome. For safety reasons, I recommend going to a garage immediately to check and adjust the cable tension to prevent minor issues from becoming major ones. Always pay attention to parking spots, try to choose flat ground, and develop a habit of checking before starting the car.
From the perspective of daily commuting, if the handbrake is broken, it doesn't significantly affect normal driving since you can slow down and stop using the main brakes while moving. However, the most annoying part comes during parking, such as in supermarket parking lots or underground garages, where the car might secretly move and scrape against neighboring vehicles, causing both financial loss and frustration. Over time, you'll notice it adds minor inconveniences—I have to remember to find a level spot or use the gear to secure the car every time I park to avoid future troubles. In the long run, neglecting repairs could also wear out the rear brake pads, shorten the lifespan of parts, and lead to additional expenses. So, even though driving isn't an issue, I still recommend taking some time for a simple check-up. Safety is something you can't afford to take lightly, and developing good driving habits is crucial.
