Is the consequence serious if driving without releasing the handbrake?

2 Answers
SanNorah
07/24/25 10:48pm
Driving without releasing the handbrake has relatively serious consequences, including accelerated wear of the brake discs, hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, and elongation of the handbrake cable. Driving without releasing the handbrake can lead to a decline in braking performance, and in severe cases, smoke may appear from the rear of the vehicle. If driven in this manner for an extended period, it may also cause failure of the brake caliper, brake fluid leakage, excessively high temperature of the brake fluid, and even complete loss of braking function. It is essential to develop correct driving habits. Before driving, always check whether the handbrake has been released. When driving on a slope, it is best to maintain a certain distance from other vehicles to avoid collisions in case the vehicle rolls backward. Most importantly, always remember to engage the handbrake when parking, especially on slopes. Generally, during high-speed driving, it is advisable to use intermittent braking to stop the vehicle, and it is best not to forcibly stop the vehicle by pulling the handbrake while driving at high speed.
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McBrayden
08/10/25 3:09pm
I've been repairing cars for nearly 20 years and often see owners driving with the handbrake on. I've witnessed many cases of white smoke from the front wheels or locked rear wheels. Driving a few hundred meters at low speed isn't a big problem, but exceeding two kilometers will completely ruin the brake pads. I remember a Hyundai Mistra driving on the highway with the handbrake engaged—the wheel hub was so hot you could fry an egg, even the brake fluid lines melted. In the end, replacing the entire brake system cost over 4,000 yuan. The most troublesome are models with electronic handbrakes; if the system detects forced movement, it might directly lock the transmission, requiring a tow to the dealership for unlocking. Always check the handbrake light on the dashboard after starting the car and make it a habit to release the handbrake before pressing the accelerator.
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