What are the consequences of driving an automatic car with the handbrake on?
2 Answers
The most direct impact is accelerated wear of the rear brake discs and overheating or even smoking of the rear brake pads, which may lead to reduced braking effectiveness. Below is relevant information: 1. Parking brake: The parking brake, commonly known as the handbrake, functions to provide resistance when the car is parked, preventing it from rolling. The parking brake, whether a handbrake or the parking gear in an automatic transmission, locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. The force of the parking brake is much weaker than that of the service brake, just enough to prevent the car from rolling on a slope. 2. Types: There are different types of parking brakes, such as the mechanical mechanisms operated by hand or foot as mentioned above. Additionally, high-end vehicles are increasingly adopting electronically controlled parking systems, commonly known as electronic handbrakes.
That day I was in a hurry and drove a few kilometers with the handbrake on, and the car became extremely sluggish. Even with the accelerator pedal floored, it could only crawl along. After driving for a while, I smelled a burning odor. When I stopped and touched the rear wheel hub, it was frighteningly hot. A friend told me that doing this would cause excessive wear on the brake pads, and in severe cases, it could even burn out the brake caliper. Moreover, the engine was struggling to work, causing fuel consumption to skyrocket, and the tires could deform due to abnormal friction. Now, every time before starting the car, I make sure the handbrake light on the dashboard is off—otherwise, the repair costs would be more expensive than towing fees.
