Is there any impact if the handbrake is not released for 200 meters?
4 Answers
There is an impact if the handbrake is not released for 200 meters. The following is an introduction to the relevant content: Impact: Accelerated wear of the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, as well as elongation of the handbrake cable. This can lead to reduced braking performance, and sometimes the burnt smell noticed by the driver comes from this. In severe cases, smoke may appear from the rear of the vehicle. Damage: Driving with the handbrake engaged causes greater wear on the braking components the faster the speed, and it also causes some damage to the tires. If the handbrake is left engaged for too long, it can cause the rear wheels to lock up, leading to smoke from friction and a significant loss of braking performance. If driving with the handbrake engaged for an extended period, it may also cause the brake caliper to seize, brake fluid leakage, and excessively high brake fluid temperature, resulting in a complete loss of braking function. If a strong burnt smell and smoke from the rear of the vehicle occur while driving, the driver should immediately slow down, brake, and release the handbrake.
I once drove a few hundred meters with the handbrake on and felt the car was struggling, as if dragging a heavy load. Although 200 meters isn't long, with the handbrake engaged, the rear brake pads continuously rub against the brake discs, generating high heat that can cause premature aging or deformation of the components. If you smell a burning odor, it indicates a serious problem, and you should stop immediately to let the car cool down and inspect it. This habit also wastes fuel because the engine has to work harder to pull the car, increasing fuel consumption by more than 10%. I learned this the hard way—I didn’t pay attention, and later the brakes became soft. When I went for repairs, I had to replace the brake pads, costing me several hundred dollars. I recommend developing a habit of checking before driving; a quick glance at the dashboard warning lights can prevent such an awkward situation.
When I first got my driver's license, I also had this happen—I drove 200 meters in the neighborhood without releasing the handbrake. The car moved very slowly, and all the power was dragged down. Not only did it consume more fuel, but the braking system was also working extra hard. Excessive friction could lead to overheating and damage components. Later, I checked online and found that some people driving long distances like this could risk causing a fire. Luckily, I only drove a short distance. I recommend manually checking the handbrake position before every start, especially for new drivers who are easily distracted. If you notice an issue, don't force it—pull over and fix it before continuing. Safety first—don't let a small mistake turn into a big problem.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen many cases where drivers forgot to release the brake and drove short distances. 200 meters isn't far, and it usually doesn't cause immediate major issues, but it definitely increases wear on the brake pads and discs, potentially slowing down the braking response next time and affecting safety. Once, a friend of mine drove around the neighborhood like this, and later during maintenance, minor cracks were found in the brakes. It's advisable to develop good habits, such as releasing the brake before moving after starting the car, to prevent minor issues from accumulating into major repairs. Additionally, regular maintenance and checks of the braking system are important, especially for older cars which are more prone to damage.
