Is it a serious problem to forget to pull the handbrake when parking and turning off the engine?
2 Answers
Forgetting to pull the handbrake when parking and turning off the engine is not a big problem. The function of the handbrake is to prevent the car from rolling. Parking precautions are as follows: 1. Basic principles of parking: When parking, consider not only your own convenience for entering and exiting but also the convenience of others, as well as potential unexpected situations. 2. Waiting at signals: If waiting at a signal for more than one minute, you should turn off the engine to save fuel and be environmentally friendly. If waiting for less than one minute, you can keep the engine on, shift to neutral, and pull the handbrake, but never keep it in gear. 3. Do not stop too close to the car in front: When stopping due to traffic or at a signal light, leave enough distance to pull out in one move, in case the car in front breaks down and you get stuck in the middle. 4. Use the turn signal when starting from the roadside: After stopping by the roadside and before driving again, observe the road conditions thoroughly. Not only check the rearview mirror but also turn your head to look. Once everything is clear, turn on the turn signal, honk, and then proceed.
Having driven for over twenty years, I can say that forgetting to engage the handbrake after parking and turning off the engine is a serious issue. I remember one time when I parked on a slope, got out without pulling the handbrake, and within minutes, the car slid about ten meters, nearly hitting a tree stump. It scared me so much my legs went weak. The likelihood of this happening on an incline is quite high—the car could slide into the middle of the road, causing an accident and potentially injuring pedestrians or other vehicles. Over time, frequently forgetting to engage the handbrake can lead to uneven stress on the braking system, accelerating wear and tear, and even damaging the parking mechanism, resulting in costly repairs. Therefore, I recommend developing the habit of pulling the handbrake immediately after parking and before turning off the engine. Additionally, if you notice the car sliding abnormally, stop promptly and check if the foot brake has failed.
