What are the effects of driving without pulling the handbrake when getting out of the car?
2 Answers
The most direct hazards are accelerated wear of the brake discs, hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, and elongation of the handbrake cable, which can lead to reduced braking performance. Sometimes, the smell of burning can also be attributed to this. In severe cases, smoke may even appear from the rear of the car. Here is more information about using the handbrake: 1. If you drive with the handbrake engaged for an extended period, it may also cause the brake caliper to seize, brake fluid leakage, and excessively high brake fluid temperature, resulting in a complete loss of braking function. Generally, the faster the speed while driving with the handbrake engaged, the greater the wear on the braking components, and it can also cause some damage to the tires. 2. If you encounter driving with the handbrake engaged during your journey and notice a strong burning smell or smoke from the rear of the car, you should immediately slow down, apply the brakes, and release the handbrake. Do not continue driving under these circumstances. Instead, pull over to the side of the road, wait for the car to cool down, and carefully check for any other abnormalities. Never simply release the handbrake and continue driving while the car is still at a high temperature. 3. The handbrake is used very frequently during the operation of a car, but it is not a "universal safety device." Its effectiveness decreases with the number of uses. Often, even though the handbrake has been engaged, it may fail to function properly due to system failure or improper use, leading to accidents. Drivers must pay close attention to this and should regularly perform appropriate maintenance and checks on their car's handbrake.
The other day I forgot to release the handbrake while driving. Right after starting, I felt the car struggling, and a warning light popped up on the dashboard, but I didn’t pay attention at the time. After driving a few hundred meters, I smelled something burning and panicked, immediately stopping to check—the brake pads were smoking hot, and I ended up spending a few hundred bucks to replace them. The worst part is that the braking performance degraded afterward, making me less confident when driving. This kind of mistake not only burns money but could also get you stuck or cause the car to roll on a slope. If it hits a pedestrian, the consequences would be disastrous. So now, the first thing I do before driving is to make sure the handbrake is down. I also remind other new drivers: developing good habits can save a lot of trouble.
