What are the effects of not releasing the handbrake on the car?
3 Answers
The effects of not releasing the handbrake on the car are: 1. Accelerated wear of the brake disc; 2. Hardening of the brake pads due to overheating; 3. Lengthening of the handbrake cable leading to reduced braking performance; 4. Smoke may appear from the rear of the car; 5. Locking of the brake caliper; 6. Brake fluid leakage; 7. Overheating of the brake fluid; 8. Complete loss of braking function. The functions of the handbrake are: 1. Keeping the car stationary and preventing it from rolling when parked; 2. Assisting in drifting when turning while driving; 3. Serving as an emergency brake in critical situations. The handbrake is an extremely important component of the vehicle's braking system. Proper use of the handbrake can effectively prevent the car from rolling and reduce the danger of rolling when parked.
I usually drive very carefully, but occasionally I get careless and forget to release the handbrake. The result is that the car struggles to move, feeling like it's dragging a huge rock. This can cause severe wear to the brake pads and brake discs, as they are constantly rubbing against each other, which can lead to deformation or even cracking under high temperatures. That time, I hadn’t driven far when I smelled something burning, so I quickly stopped to check and found the discs and pads were scorched. Not only that, but the engine also has to work extra hard to pull the car, causing fuel consumption to skyrocket. On long trips, the fuel tank empties much faster. The biggest concern is the hidden danger—if the road is slippery, the braking system might overheat and fail, leading to an accident. I’ve developed a habit of glancing at the dashboard before starting the car; if any warning light is on, I stay alert. In fact, as long as you develop good habits, like releasing the handbrake before shifting gears, you can avoid these problems. The car is our great helper—don’t let it suffer needlessly.
Once during a test drive, I forgot to release the handbrake, causing a sudden power drop—the engine struggled as if suffocating. The issue stemmed from the braking system operating under pressure, generating friction heat between the pads and discs, accelerating wear. Prolonged use in this state hastens aging, reducing braking efficiency, with repairs costing anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand yuan. Worse, fuel consumption spikes as the overloaded engine burns gas needlessly, potentially triggering overheating failures. My advice: always check the handbrake position before driving—never ignore dashboard warning lights. If forgetfulness is frequent, it’s likely habitual; make releasing the handbrake a reflexive action upon starting the car. Safety first—accelerated wear heightens the risk of emergency brake failure. Never underestimate this oversight.
