What are the effects of not releasing the car handbrake?
3 Answers
Not releasing the handbrake will directly cause excessive wear on the brake pads and brake discs. The friction-generated heat can overheat the disc surface, which may then transfer to the wheel hub and tires, potentially leading to a tire blowout in severe cases. Indirect effects include increased driving resistance, higher loads on the engine and transmission, and excessive torque on components like the driveshaft and universal joints, which can result in metal fatigue over time. Not releasing the car handbrake can also lead to increased fuel consumption. This happens because the handbrake applies braking force to the car, and if it is not released or not fully released, it is equivalent to constantly braking. This requires more throttle to maintain speed, leading to a significant increase in fuel consumption. Precautions when using the handbrake: Do not use the handbrake as a substitute for the footbrake during high-speed driving. The handbrake primarily controls the rear wheels, and applying it at high speeds can easily cause the car to roll over. When stuck in traffic on a slope, do not forget to engage the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling backward. Forgetting to release the handbrake while driving will cause significant brake wear, leading to a decline in braking performance.
Once I forgot to release the handbrake while driving, and the car was noticeably dragging, accelerating very slowly, feeling like it was pulling a heavy load. This can cause increased wear on the brake pads as they continuously rub against the brake discs. Over time, the braking performance will deteriorate, and there's even a risk of overheating and smoking. Fuel consumption can also spike by at least 10-20%, wasting gasoline money unnecessarily. Tires may overheat, deform, or wear out faster due to uneven pressure. On slopes, it's even more dangerous, potentially leading to loss of control or brake system damage and fire. I recommend developing the habit of checking the handbrake light on the dashboard before starting the car or pulling it to confirm it's released when parking. Don’t underestimate this issue—daily negligence can accumulate into expensive repairs. That time, I spent over 800 yuan replacing the brake pads.
Speaking of the issue with the parking brake not being released, as someone with some knowledge about cars, I can share some insights. It directly increases the burden on the braking system, generating high temperatures from friction, which over time can burn out the brake discs or cause the brake pads to crack. The increased resistance on the tires can lead to overheating and deformation, and in severe cases, even damage suspension components. What's more troublesome is that the drivetrain has to bear additional force, forcing the engine to work harder, naturally leading to higher fuel consumption. From my daily observations, this problem often occurs with new drivers or when people are in a hurry. I recommend developing the habit of checking the dashboard warning lights before driving, so you don't regret it only after a major issue arises. Regularly inspecting the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the tires can also help prevent these problems in advance, avoiding minor issues turning into major repairs.
