What Are the Hazards of Driving Without Engaging the Handbrake?
1 Answers
The hazards of driving without engaging the handbrake include: 1. Accelerated wear of the brake discs; 2. Hardening of the brake pads due to overheating; 3. Seizure of the brake caliper; 4. Complete loss of braking function; 5. Smoke appearing from the rear of the car. The professional term for the handbrake is auxiliary brake, which operates differently from the main brake system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Long-term use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, prolonged use will reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. Additionally, a return spring is used in conjunction with the handbrake. When the handbrake is engaged, the spring is stretched, and when released, the spring returns to its original length.