Is It Harmful to Step on the Accelerator Without Releasing the Handbrake?
2 Answers
Stepping on the accelerator without releasing the handbrake can cause significant damage to the car. The correct method of braking involves gently pressing the brake over a long distance, emergency braking, and braking when stopping. Below is relevant information about braking: 1. Introduction: Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving locomotives, vehicles, or other transportation tools or machinery. The general principle of braking is to fix a wheel or disc on the high-speed shaft of the machine and install corresponding brake shoes, bands, or discs on the machine base, which generate braking torque under external force. The braking device is a mechanical deceleration device that can slow down the speed, also known as a decelerator. 2. Purpose: To reduce speed or bring the vehicle to a stop.
Once I was driving my friend's old car and forgot to release the handbrake before stepping on the accelerator. The car struggled to move, and I smelled a burning odor. Then I realized the rear brake pads were tightly engaged, forcing the engine to work extra hard to overcome the resistance. Prolonged driving like this can damage the braking system. New drivers often make this mistake, especially in automatic cars where the handbrake warning light might be overlooked. If this happens on highways or uphill drives, it can accelerate brake disc wear and shorten brake lifespan. Stopping promptly to check is crucial, and developing a habit of confirming the handbrake before starting can save a lot of trouble. Short-term effects may only waste fuel and increase tire wear, but doing this frequently means sending the car for repairs—replacing brake pads isn't cheap!
