Is it harmful to drive a short distance with the handbrake engaged?
1 Answers
If you start driving without releasing the handbrake, the brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, which may cause the engine to stall. This leads to a situation where the driver continues driving with the handbrake engaged. The most immediate consequences of driving without releasing the handbrake are accelerated wear of the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to overheating. Here is additional information: The handbrake, technically known as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main braking system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation, which is irreversible and reduces its effectiveness over time. Starting the car without releasing the handbrake can easily cause the engine to stall. The brake pump is an elastic pressure device, and after driving for a while, the tightness of the brake pads, brake discs, and handbrake cable will adjust accordingly.