What are the consequences of driving 10 kilometers with the handbrake on?
2 Answers
Driving 10 kilometers with the handbrake on can cause damage to the handbrake system and also affect the tires. After driving five kilometers with the handbrake on, the temperature of the rear wheel rims becomes very high because the brake transfers heat to the rims. Driving with the handbrake on causes significant damage to the handbrake system. It is recommended to always remember to release the handbrake when driving normally. The relevant introduction to the handbrake is as follows: Definition of Handbrake: The professional term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake. Unlike the principle of the main brake, it uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to brake the car. Consequences of Long-term Use of Handbrake: Long-term use of the handbrake can cause plastic deformation of the steel cable. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use will reduce its effectiveness, and the handbrake's travel distance will also increase. The handbrake is also equipped with a return spring. When the handbrake is engaged, the spring is stretched, and when the handbrake is released, the spring returns to its original length. Long-term use of the handbrake can also cause corresponding deformation of the spring.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I once drove 10 kilometers with the handbrake engaged. That time, I was in a hurry to leave and forgot to release it. Halfway through, smoke started coming from under the car, accompanied by a burning smell. I quickly pulled over and found the brake discs so hot they had warped, and the brake pads were worn down to a thin layer. Fuel consumption was also nearly 20% higher than usual. The mechanic said this habit is extremely damaging to the car—not only did it cost thousands more in repairs, but it could also completely ruin the braking system, making the car less responsive and prone to accidents. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to always check the handbrake before driving, and I advise everyone not to skip this step for convenience. Regular maintenance can also prevent such failures—after all, safety comes first.
