Is it harmful to drive with the handbrake on for a while?

[Serena]

Driving with the handbrake engaged will most directly cause accelerated wear on the brake discs, hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, and elongation of the handbrake cables. This leads to reduced braking performance, and in severe cases, smoke may emerge from the rear of the vehicle. If driving with the handbrake on 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. Below is some relevant information about the handbrake: 1. Function: It is used to stabilize the vehicle after stopping, preventing accidents caused by rolling on inclined surfaces. 2. Principle: The parking brake only acts on the rear wheels, using two metal cables to pull the rear brake pads to achieve braking.

[ORicardo]

Once, I drove a short distance of about two kilometers with the handbrake still engaged. After getting out of the car, I noticed the brake discs were extremely hot and even smelled a bit burnt. This is actually quite common, especially among beginners, mainly due to rushing or failing to check the dashboard. The extra friction on the braking system causes heat buildup, and prolonged driving like this can even burn out the brake pads, potentially leading to complete brake failure in severe cases. While driving, you might feel the car dragging, sluggish acceleration, and a noticeable increase in fuel consumption—when I took it to the repair shop, my fuel consumption had risen by at least 10%. To avoid further issues, I immediately found a safe spot to pull over and inspected the brakes. Developing good habits is key: always release the handbrake before starting the engine and avoid rushing to hit the gas. Remember, even if short trips seem harmless, repeated occurrences can significantly shorten brake life, and repairs can easily cost hundreds or even thousands. I recommend glancing at the indicator lights before every start—protect your car and ensure safety.