Should the Handbrake Be Up or Down While Driving?
3 Answers
When starting the car, the handbrake should be released, and when parking, it should be engaged. The handbrake, professionally known as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main brake system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use can reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. After engaging the handbrake, it utilizes a hydraulic auxiliary cylinder to move the vehicle's main hydraulic cylinder, which then drives an air valve (designed this way to prevent air noise in the cabin). Once the air valve is activated, it applies braking force to the drive shaft.
The handbrake must be fully released when driving! I've seen too many beginners make this mistake—driving with the handbrake engaged, causing the brake discs to smoke. The handbrake, technically called the parking brake, is used to lock the wheels when parked. Driving with it engaged is essentially forcing the rear wheels to brake. Over time, the brake pads can heat up to hundreds of degrees, leading to either pad failure or, in severe cases, brake failure and accidents. There’s also a more hidden issue: fuel consumption can increase by over 15% because the engine has to work harder to drag the brakes. I remember a car once being towed to the repair shop—the owner complained that the accelerator felt stiff. Upon inspection, the brake pads had worn down to dust because he had driven for a full week without releasing the handbrake. Develop the habit of checking the dashboard before starting the car; if the handbrake light is on, do not drive! While automatic transmission cars may remind you when in Drive (D), manual transmission drivers must stay vigilant themselves.
This is no trivial matter—you must fully release the handbrake before driving! When the mechanical handbrake is engaged, the steel cable tightens the rear wheel calipers, effectively simulating driving with half-applied brakes. During my last maintenance session, I encountered an owner who drove 50 kilometers with the handbrake on, resulting in all four brake discs warping. Think it's just about wear? High temperatures can also cause brake fluid to boil, creating air bubbles. The next time you really need to brake hard, the pedal will feel spongy and fail to stop the car. Vehicles with automatic transmissions and electronic parking brakes fare slightly better, as the system automatically disengages when you press the accelerator. However, older mechanical handbrakes rely entirely on manual operation. A crucial reminder for manual transmission owners: after using the handbrake to assist with hill starts, always remember to release it completely. Temporary stops may trigger the auto-hold system, but it operates independently of the traditional handbrake mechanism. The safest approach is to complete the handbrake release before pressing the accelerator after starting the engine.
