What are the consequences of not engaging the handbrake after parking?
3 Answers
The consequence of not engaging the handbrake after parking is that the vehicle may roll backward, which can easily cause accidents. The function of the handbrake is to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged after parking, preventing the vehicle from sliding. Precautions for using the handbrake: 1. Avoid pulling it too tightly to prevent system damage; 2. Avoid using the handbrake for long-term parking on slopes; 3. Do not engage the handbrake while driving at high speeds; 4. Release the handbrake before starting the car. Driving with the handbrake engaged can damage the brakes, and its hazards include: 1. Accelerated wear of the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, leading to reduced braking performance; 2. Excessive wear of the handbrake brake pads, causing damage to the drive shaft; 3. Locking of the rear wheels and snapping of the brake cable, which may result in skidding or rollover.
Forgetting to engage the handbrake after parking may cause the car to silently roll away, which can lead to severe consequences. If parked on a slope, gravity will cause the car to roll toward the middle of the road, potentially colliding with other vehicles, pedestrians, or trees. In minor cases, this could result in scratches costing thousands in repairs, while severe cases may lead to injuries or major accidents. I once forgot to engage the handbrake in front of my garage, and the car rolled a few meters, hitting a fence and nearly injuring a passing child. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to always engage the handbrake when parking to ensure absolute safety. Even for automatic transmission cars, don’t assume that shifting to 'P' (Park) is enough—the handbrake serves as a crucial backup. Otherwise, you might regret it when it’s too late. Taking just one second to check before exiting the car can prevent these unnecessary troubles and protect both your own and others' lives and property.
From a financial perspective, not engaging the parking brake can drain your wallet. If the car rolls away and damages someone else's property, you might have to cover the repair costs. Even if nothing happens, leaving it on a slope for too long without the parking brake can cause excessive wear to the braking system, leading to damaged brake pads and discs—repairs can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand. My neighbor once forgot to engage it, and the car rolled to the street corner, hitting a trash bin. The insurance didn’t cover the full cost, leaving him to pay over 500 out of pocket. Plus, if caught by traffic police, you might get a ticket, adding unexpected expenses. Making it a habit to use the parking brake is a money-saving move. Paying attention to small details like this can significantly lighten your financial burden.
