What Are the Hazards of Driving Without Engaging the Handbrake?

[CalvinRose]

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.

[DelGemma]

Last time when I went hiking, I forgot to engage the handbrake while parking, and the car rolled downhill, hitting a tree by the roadside. The repair cost me over two thousand yuan. Fortunately, no one was nearby, or it could have seriously injured a pedestrian. Such incidents may seem minor, but the consequences can be severe. In parking lots or when parking on the roadside, failing to engage the handbrake can easily lead to the car rolling, especially on uneven surfaces. If it hits another vehicle or a building, the insurance company might not cover the damages, and you could face fines. Since I developed the habit of using the handbrake, I feel much more at ease. Safety comes first—don’t cut corners for convenience. I’ve also seen friends involved in similar accidents; small oversights can escalate into major disasters. Driving details should never be overlooked.

[McMadison]

I know a bit about car maintenance. Not using the parking brake for a long time accelerates wear on the braking system. For example, when a manual transmission car rolls, the brake pads and discs repeatedly rub against each other, which can easily cause overheating and deformation. Replacing these parts can cost hundreds of dollars. In an automatic transmission car without the parking brake's assistance, the transmission's pawl bears the full weight, and overloading can cause damage, with repairs costing thousands of dollars. Over time, it also affects tire lifespan, and when parking, the wheels slipping can damage the ground. After developing the habit of using the parking brake, the car's condition has improved significantly, saving both money and hassle. Don't underestimate this action—it plays a big role in car maintenance.

[ElliottFitz]

I remember once after shopping at the supermarket, I found my car had slid into the middle of the road because I forgot to engage the handbrake. A kind passerby helped push it back into place, and I was terrified afterwards. If this had happened during rush hour, it could have caused a chain collision. Small movements when parking may go unnoticed, but the cumulative wear can be dangerous. Since breaking this lazy habit, my driving has become more stable. Safety first—never take chances.