What are the consequences of driving without releasing the handbrake
2 Answers
Driving without releasing the handbrake can lead to very serious consequences. Short-term driving can cause wear on the brake discs or parking drum brakes, the brake pads to harden due to overheating, and the handbrake cable to stretch. The consequences include reduced braking performance, a burning smell inside the car, and in severe cases, smoke from the rear of the car or even a fire.
Once when I took my car out for a countryside trip, I was so excited that I forgot to release the handbrake. Within less than ten minutes of driving, I smelled a strong burning odor and panicked. I quickly pulled over and saw that the rear wheels were extremely hot. The mechanic later explained that continuous friction from the handbrake had overheated the brake pads, which in severe cases could melt, deform, or even catch fire. Not only did this make the car struggle to accelerate and cause fuel consumption to skyrocket, but the scarier part was that if the brakes failed during an emergency stop, it could easily lead to skidding or rear-end collisions, drastically increasing the risk of accidents. If this reckless behavior continues long-term, the lifespan of the braking system would be significantly reduced, and replacing parts could cost hundreds of dollars. Now I’ve developed a good habit: after starting the engine, I immediately check the dashboard to ensure the handbrake indicator light is off before driving—peace of mind and savings in one go.
