What are the consequences of driving with the handbrake not released?

[MacElliana]

If the vehicle is driven for a long time without releasing the handbrake, the following situations may occur: 1. It will increase the vehicle's fuel consumption, leading to poorer fuel economy. 2. For vehicles with drum-type handbrakes, it will increase wear and tear on the brake shoes, accompanied by burning phenomena, reducing braking effectiveness and shortening their service life. 3. For vehicles with disc-type handbrakes, the brake discs and brake pads will experience accelerated wear. 4. Prolonged friction will generate a large amount of heat, and the rise in temperature (around 400 degrees) can cause brake fluid vapor lock, weakening braking force when using the foot brake and extending the safe braking distance. If the temperature continues to rise to around 700 degrees, braking may completely fail, and the tires may catch fire. Even if the temperature does not reach these levels, if there are issues with the wheel bearing lubricant seals, it can lead to lubricant loss, increasing the degree of bearing burning and causing damage.

[OKaden]

I've seen many people forget to release the handbrake while driving, and the consequences can be quite serious. I remember one time when I did this myself, the car felt extremely sluggish to drive, as if it was dragging its feet. The rear wheels would become hot to the touch, the brake pads would wear out rapidly, and the tires might even smoke or deform. Over time, the entire braking system could overheat and fail, which would be dangerous in an emergency situation when the brakes don't work. Driving like this also significantly increases fuel consumption—what used to be a full tank capable of 500 kilometers might barely make it to 300 kilometers. The most frustrating part is the soaring repair costs, with replacing tires or brake discs easily costing thousands. So now, I always check the handbrake before starting the car. Once it becomes a habit, it's much harder to make such mistakes.

[OElizabeth]

The biggest hazard of driving with the handbrake engaged is mechanical damage. I've experienced sudden loss of power and deceleration, only to find the rear brake pads worn paper-thin and the brake drums or discs warped. Prolonged driving like this significantly increases the risk of brake system fires due to overheating, especially during summer when sparks can be seen under the car. It's not just about wear and tear - the entire suspension and drivetrain components are affected, with repairs often costing thousands. More critically, it's a safety issue. If brake failure occurs on steep slopes or during turns, rear-end collisions or loss of control become inevitable. I recommend paying more attention to dashboard warning lights - just like ignoring low fuel warnings can lead to breakdowns, small oversights can cause major trouble.

[Theodore]

Forgetting to release the handbrake while driving is extremely dangerous. I always double-check before starting the car. Otherwise, the vehicle accelerates as slow as a snail, tire temperature skyrockets, and brake pad wear intensifies, potentially leading to sudden failure. This is no minor issue—reduced braking force during emergency stops significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions on highways. Additionally, overall vehicle performance declines, fuel consumption surges by 20%, making long-distance trips even more costly. The key issue is that this habit breeds dependency. Reminding yourself to cultivate good habits can prevent similar accidents, like forgetting to close the sunroof and ending up with a flooded interior.