What are the effects of driving with the handbrake engaged?

[Troy]

Driving with the handbrake engaged for an extended period can lead to accelerated wear, overheating and hardening of the brake pads, and elongation of the handbrake cable. This results in reduced braking performance, and the burnt smell sometimes noticed by drivers originates from this issue. In severe cases, smoke may even emerge from the rear of the vehicle. Prolonged driving with the handbrake engaged can also cause the brake caliper to seize, brake fluid leakage, and excessive temperature of the brake fluid, leading to a complete loss of braking function. Below are some precautions for handbrake usage: 1. Always engage the handbrake when parking and turning off the engine. There have been cases where drivers forgot to engage the handbrake after parking, leading to the vehicle moving on its own and causing accidents, especially on slopes. Ensure the vehicle is in gear, the handbrake is engaged, and wait for the vehicle to stabilize before exiting. 2. The handbrake is often used in conjunction with neutral gear. Even during brief stops at traffic lights, remember to engage the handbrake when in neutral. This not only prevents the vehicle from rolling on uneven roads but also allows your right foot to rest briefly from the brake pedal. Use stationary objects nearby as a reference to check for any rolling. 3. Avoid pulling the handbrake too tightly. Many modern vehicles have spring-loaded handbrakes with multiple notches. The higher the handbrake is engaged, the more tension is placed on the spring. Engage it just enough to prevent the vehicle from moving (about 70-80% of full engagement) to prolong the handbrake's lifespan. 4. Before moving off, ensure the handbrake is fully disengaged. Press the release button and lower it completely. Many beginners forget to disengage the handbrake, which can cause damage. Most vehicles now have warning sounds to alert drivers if the handbrake is still engaged, so pay attention to the dashboard alerts. 5. In case of brake system failure on the highway, you can intermittently and gradually apply and release the handbrake to bring the vehicle to a stop.