What Are the Hazards of Driving Without Releasing the Handbrake?
2 Answers
Driving without releasing the handbrake can cause the following hazards: 1. The brake discs will wear out faster, the brake pads will harden due to overheating, and the handbrake cable may stretch, leading to reduced braking performance. In severe cases, smoke may even appear from the rear of the vehicle. 2. If the handbrake is not released for an extended period while driving, it may result in the brake calipers seizing, brake fluid leakage, or excessively high brake fluid temperature, causing a complete loss of braking function. Precautions for using the handbrake include: 1. Always pull and release the handbrake gently, and avoid pulling it beyond a 45-degree angle when parking on flat surfaces. 2. Stabilize the vehicle when the handbrake lever is pulled halfway, and take care not to damage the springs inside the handbrake. 3. When pulling the handbrake on a slope, the vehicle may still move slightly after the handbrake is fully engaged. 4. When parking on a steep incline, the vehicle may slide slightly before coming to a complete stop after shifting to neutral and applying the handbrake. 5. Do not use the handbrake to slow down the vehicle while driving; instead, use the foot brake pedal for deceleration.
I remember once driving off without releasing the handbrake. As soon as the car started moving, it felt unusually heavy, and the engine roared alarmingly loud—I initially thought there was an issue with the tires. After driving a short distance, I noticed the fuel consumption skyrocketing. When I stopped, black smoke was rising from the brake pads, which had already burned and charred. The repair cost over 800 yuan, and the mechanic told me the brake pads were severely worn and deformed. He warned that continuing to drive could have led to a fire or brake failure. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to always check the handbrake indicator on the dashboard before starting the car. Driving with the handbrake engaged not only wastes fuel—increasing average consumption by up to 20%—but also accelerates wear on the braking system. Extreme heat can even melt components, posing serious safety risks. As an experienced driver, I emphasize that this small oversight can escalate into a major hazard. A simple release of the handbrake before moving off saves both trouble and money.
