Does driving 5 km with the handbrake on have any impact?

[Justin]

Driving 5 km with the handbrake on does have an impact, primarily causing increased wear on the rear brake pads and stretching of the handbrake cable. Below are the detailed explanations: Increased wear on the rear brake pads: Driving with the handbrake engaged keeps the brake pads and brake discs in constant friction, generating excessive heat and high temperatures, which accelerates the wear of the brake pads. In severe cases, this may produce a burnt smell. It is necessary to stop and inspect the condition of the brake pads and replace them if needed. Stretching of the handbrake cable: With the handbrake engaged, the cable is subjected to significant pressure, leading to elongation. This stretching reduces the braking effectiveness of the handbrake and is irreversible, requiring replacement of the cable.