What are the hazards of driving without engaging the handbrake?
3 Answers
Driving without engaging the handbrake can cause significant wear and tear on the brake pads, accompanied by loud abnormal noises, and in severe cases, black smoke may appear. If you forget to engage the handbrake after driving, the driver should promptly pull the handbrake to prevent excessive wear. Forgetting to release the handbrake while driving is one of the common mistakes made by beginners, which can accelerate the wear of the brake discs, thereby reducing the vehicle's braking performance. Additional Information: Forgetting to release the handbrake while driving can wear out the brake pads, shortening their lifespan, and over time, it may lead to brake failure. If the handbrake is not released, a red light on the dashboard will remain lit. If you realize that you have been driving without releasing the handbrake, you should conduct an inspection and, depending on the degree of wear of the brake components, perform necessary repairs or replacements.
I'm a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, but once I forgot to engage the handbrake when parking on a slope. The car rolled back half a meter and nearly hit a tree behind me—it was truly a palm-sweating moment. The dangers of not using the handbrake are immense, especially on mountain roads or inclines. A car can slide on its own, causing minor damage like scratched bumpers or wheel abrasions, or worse, hitting pedestrians, buildings, or other vehicles, leading to accidents. Even on flat ground, strong winds can move the car. For manual transmissions, forgetting the handbrake can damage gearbox gears, while for automatics, prolonged non-use can overstress the suspension system. I recommend making it a habit to engage the handbrake every time you park—a few seconds can prevent major trouble. Don't learn the hard way like I did.
I'm a young driver who just got my license. Last weekend, I forgot to engage the handbrake in my friend's parking lot, and the car slowly rolled out and hit a railing. Fortunately, it was just a minor scratch, but it scared me quite a bit. The dangers of not using the handbrake are significant. If the car moves, it can directly cause property damage, such as scratching the body or bumper, which can be costly to repair. Even worse, when parking in a residential area or by the roadside, if the car rolls toward pedestrians or cyclists, it poses a threat to personal safety. I used to think it was only necessary to pay attention on slopes, but now I understand that even on flat ground, factors like wind or slight inclines can cause the car to move. Since that incident, I always check the brake when parking. I recommend that new drivers also use phone reminders to develop this simple habit.
