What are the effects of driving with the handbrake on?
2 Answers
Driving with the handbrake engaged can have several effects: 1. Increased brake wear: The most direct impact is accelerated wear on the brake discs, hardened brake pads due to overheating, and stretched handbrake cables. This leads to reduced braking performance, and in severe cases, smoke may emerge from the rear of the vehicle. 2. Stalling on slopes and rolling backward: On inclined roads during traffic jams, the car may stall and roll backward rapidly, potentially colliding with vehicles behind. 3. Rear wheel lock-up and cable breakage: This could cause the vehicle to skid or even roll over. Additionally, avoid sudden handbrake use during sharp turns or when driving in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions, as it may disable the ABS system, causing loss of rear wheel speed signals and leading to veering or fishtailing.
Last time I drove, I forgot to engage the handbrake, and the car rolled slightly, almost hitting a wall. It really scared me. Forgetting to engage the handbrake while driving can directly cause the vehicle to move on its own, especially in parking lots or on slopes, leading to accidents like rolling off the road and causing collisions. While driving, this puts unnecessary stress on the braking system because if the handbrake isn't released, the brake pads and cables can overheat and wear out. Doing this long-term not only reduces braking efficiency but also wastes money on unnecessary repairs. Now, I've developed a good habit: I always engage the handbrake before turning off the engine and remind my friends not to make this basic mistake. Safety first—small oversights can lead to big disasters.
