What Are the Effects of Forgetting to Release the Handbrake?
3 Answers
The handbrake is designed for the rear wheels. Forgetting to release the handbrake creates resistance to the vehicle's movement, as the rear wheels remain in a slightly locked state. Here is some relevant information: 1. Handbrake Principle: For small cars, some handbrakes are located behind the transmission, connected to the driveshaft with a brake disc, similar to a disc brake (though drum brakes are also possible). The braking force is transmitted via a cable to achieve parking braking. 2. Electronic Handbrake: The electronic handbrake, paired with an automatic parking system, can directly engage the parking function when the vehicle is stationary, eliminating the need for manual operation. It also saves space on the center console, enhancing its aesthetics.
As an experienced driver, I've noticed many people make this common mistake. Forgetting to release the handbrake while driving immediately results in a burning smell - that's the high-temperature warning from excessive friction on the rear brake pads. Doing it once or twice might just waste some fuel, but making it a habit can wear out the brake pads prematurely, costing hundreds to replace. More seriously, forcing the car to move with the electronic parking brake engaged can damage the drive shaft. Last week, I saw a novice driver forcibly drive five kilometers at a highway entrance until the wheel hubs were smoking - the repair shop found all the brake discs were warped. I recommend developing the habit of checking dashboard warning lights or setting phone reminders, especially when driving someone else's car.
From a car repair perspective, forgetting to release the handbrake is like forcing the braking system to work overtime. On short trips, it might only wear out the brake pads, but driving over ten kilometers can cause uneven tire heating leading to bulges, and the suspension system will also suffer. The worst case I've seen was driving up a mountain road with the mechanical handbrake engaged—by the time they reached the summit, the brake fluid had boiled, making it nearly impossible to brake on the way down. Most modern cars now come with warning alarms, but owners of older models might consider placing a noticeable sticker on the steering wheel as a reminder. Additionally, some automatic transmission models are designed to automatically release the electronic parking brake when shifted into D gear—it's advisable to check your car's manual to see if it has this feature.
