Does driving 200 meters with the handbrake engaged have any impact?
2 Answers
Driving 200 meters with the handbrake engaged does have an impact. Here are the related details: 1. Effects: Accelerated wear of the brake discs, hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, and elongation of the handbrake cable. This leads to a decline in braking performance, and the burnt smell sometimes noticed by the driver comes from this. In severe cases, smoke may appear from the rear of the car. 2. Damage: Driving with the handbrake engaged causes faster wear and tear on the braking components the higher the speed, and also damages the tires to some extent. Keeping the handbrake engaged for too long can cause the rear wheels to lock up, leading to smoke from friction and a significant loss of braking performance. If driving with the handbrake engaged for an extended period, it may also result in the brake calipers seizing, brake fluid leakage, and excessively high brake fluid temperature, leading to a complete loss of braking function. If a strong burnt smell and smoke from the rear of the car occur while driving, the driver should immediately slow down, brake, and release the handbrake.
Last time I drove 200 meters without releasing the handbrake, the car felt extremely sluggish, as if dragging something, and the speed couldn't increase. Later I learned that driving with the handbrake engaged causes severe friction between the brake pads and brake drums, generating high temperatures that can reach several hundred degrees. Not only does this wear out the brake pads quickly over short distances, but it can also lead to tire overheating and deformation. On slippery roads or downhill slopes, this reduces braking efficiency, increases the risk of skidding, and may even cause fire hazards. Long-term operation like this will prematurely wear out the braking system, leading to expensive repairs. Therefore, I recommend stopping immediately to check the brakes if this happens, and visiting a professional repair shop if necessary. Develop the habit of confirming the handbrake is released before starting the car to avoid safety risks.
