Is driving with the handbrake not fully released harmful to the car?
2 Answers
Driving with the handbrake not fully released is harmful to the car. It can cause the brake caliper to seize, brake fluid leakage, and excessively high brake fluid temperature, leading to a complete loss of braking function. The faster the speed, the greater the damage. Below is relevant information about car driving: Car driving precautions: Develop correct driving habits. Before driving, check whether the handbrake has been released. Also, pay attention to the dashboard, as it provides the most comprehensive information. Continuously observe the dashboard for warning lights to avoid driving with the handbrake engaged. Additionally, driving with the handbrake engaged will noticeably result in slower acceleration, obvious jerking, and higher engine RPM. Emergency measures for not releasing the handbrake: If you encounter driving with the handbrake engaged and notice a strong burnt smell or smoke from the rear of the car, immediately reduce speed, brake, and release the handbrake. Do not continue driving. Pull over, wait for the car to cool down, and carefully check for any other abnormalities. Never just release the handbrake and continue driving while the car is still overheated.
A friend of mine always forgets to release the handbrake, and later found the brake discs were worn and deformed during a repair. Driving with the handbrake engaged is like forcing the brake pads and discs into a brutal tug-of-war—the squealing noise is them damaging each other. Prolonged friction generates high temperatures, which can not only burn the brake pads but also damage the calipers. A mechanic once told me that driving like this continuously for ten kilometers could ruin the brake discs, and replacing a set could cost over a thousand dollars. Before starting your car, always glance at the dashboard to confirm the handbrake light is off before accelerating—it’ll save you a lot on repairs.
