What Happens If the Handbrake Is Not Fully Released?
2 Answers
The effects of not fully releasing the handbrake include: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, causing the engine to stall; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake disc and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Leakage of brake caliper fluid, leading to brake failure. The correct method to apply the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. Pull the handbrake up to about 70%—pulling it to the maximum height will shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The function of the handbrake is to provide braking when parking on flat ground or slopes, preventing the vehicle from moving unintentionally and avoiding traffic accidents.
I did this last time—drove half a block before noticing a red exclamation mark lit up on the dashboard. The car struggled to move, revving loudly but barely going anywhere, and the steering wheel felt as heavy as pulling an ox. Even the fuel consumption shot up. The scariest part was the burnt smell coming from the rear wheels, like a hot iron plate in the summer. The mechanic took one look and said the brake pads had turned blue, and the steel-braided hoses were nearly melted through. Now I’ve developed a habit: after releasing the handbrake, I always glance at the dashboard warning lights and wait for the 'click' sound to confirm. Veteran drivers say it could be worse with cars equipped with electronic parking brakes—some systems cut power outright to force you to stop.
