Is it serious to drive without releasing the handbrake?
3 Answers
Driving without releasing the handbrake is quite serious. Here are the consequences of driving with the handbrake engaged: 1. Performance deterioration: Forgetting to release the handbrake will accelerate the wear of the brake discs, and the brake pads may harden due to overheating, leading to a decline in handbrake performance and elongation of the handbrake cable. 2. Handbrake failure: Driving for a long time without releasing the handbrake may cause the brake caliper to seize, leading to brake fluid leakage and an increase in the temperature of the brake fluid, eventually resulting in complete loss of the handbrake's braking function. 3. Smoke from the rear of the car: Over time, you may smell a burning odor, and in severe cases, smoke may even appear from the rear of the car. Driving with the handbrake engaged can also cause some damage to the vehicle's tires, and the faster the speed, the greater the damage to various components.
I'm highly qualified to speak on this issue, having seen numerous similar cases in old auto repair shops. Forgetting to release the handbrake while driving causes the most damage to the braking system, with the rear brake pads and discs undergoing intense friction and overheating. You might smell burning over short distances, but after driving a few kilometers, the wheel hubs can get so hot they smoke. In severe cases, the brake pads can turn to powder, and warped brake discs require full replacement, costing at least a thousand yuan. Doing this long-term can also stretch and fail the handbrake cable, and may burn out the wheel cylinder seals causing oil leaks. If discovered, never cool it down by splashing water—wait for natural cooling, then check if the brake pedal travel has increased. Develop the habit of glancing at the dashboard before starting; if you see a red warning light with an exclamation mark, never drive.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I've also made this kind of silly mistake. That time after leaving the supermarket, I drove three kilometers before noticing a burning rubber smell and realizing the handbrake wasn't fully released. Getting out to check, the rear wheel hubs were frighteningly hot - the repair shop said the brake pads had carbonized. This type of operation damages vehicles at three severity levels: at low speeds for short distances you might get lucky with no consequences; at moderate speeds you'll experience poor acceleration and soaring fuel consumption; worst is when beginners try to start on a slope with the handbrake on, stubbornly pressing the accelerator even as the rear wheels smoke. Now when teaching my daughter to drive, I emphasize this point especially. Automatic transmission drivers need to be extra careful, as they might mistake it for a gearbox problem while driving. Always listen for the sound when engaging the handbrake after parking, and glance at the dashboard warning lights when starting - these habits make it harder to forget.