What are the consequences of forgetting to engage the handbrake when parking and turning off the engine?
2 Answers
The consequences of forgetting to engage the handbrake when parking and turning off the engine are: it can lead to vehicle rollaway accidents. The purpose of the handbrake is to provide braking when parking on flat or inclined surfaces, preventing the vehicle from moving automatically when unattended, thereby avoiding traffic accidents. The correct method to engage the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. Pull the handbrake to about 70% of its capacity—pulling it all the way to the maximum point can shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The dangers of driving without releasing the handbrake are: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, potentially stalling the engine; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Brake fluid leakage from the brake caliper, leading to brake failure.
I once had an experience where I parked on a hillside, turned off the engine, and forgot to engage the handbrake. The car slowly started rolling and almost hit a tree behind me, which scared me and made my heart race. This is no small matter. Forgetting for a short time can cause the car to roll, potentially hitting obstacles or being struck by other vehicles, leading to accidents. Over the long term, it can also wear out the braking system and transmission, especially dangerous for automatic transmission vehicles, resulting in time-consuming and costly repairs. Now I've developed a habit: whenever I park, I engage the handbrake and also check if the parking spot is level. This can save a lot of trouble and ensure the safety of myself and others. Driving requires attention to detail at all times.
