What are the consequences of driving with the handbrake engaged?
2 Answers
Driving with the handbrake engaged can lead to the following consequences: significant brake wear, accelerated wear of the brake discs, hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, elongation of the handbrake cable, reduced braking performance, and smoke from the rear of the vehicle. If driving with the handbrake engaged for an extended period, it can also cause the brake caliper to seize, brake fluid leakage, and excessively high brake fluid temperature, resulting in a complete loss of braking function. Precautions for using the handbrake include: 1. When stuck in traffic on a slope, always remember to engage the handbrake. If you forget to engage the handbrake while stopped on a slope, it can be very dangerous; 2. During high-speed driving, in case of sudden emergencies, you can directly pull the handbrake to slow down. In critical moments, the handbrake can replace the foot brake to bring the vehicle to an immediate stop.
I remember the first time I drove our family's old car, I accidentally drove off without releasing the handbrake. The car felt unusually heavy, and even though I pressed the accelerator deeply, it didn't speed up much, and the fuel consumption skyrocketed. After driving for a while, the brake discs got hot from friction, and I smelled a burning odor. Fortunately, I stopped in time to check and found that the brake pads were burnt. The mechanic said that doing this long-term could cause severe wear to the braking system, with parts deforming and expensive replacements needed. It could even lead to sudden brake failure, which is extremely dangerous on highways. Since then, I've developed a good habit: the first thing I do when starting the car is to confirm the handbrake is properly released—it protects the car and ensures safety and peace of mind. Checking before driving is simple; don't skip those few seconds.
