What happens if the handbrake is not released?
3 Answers
The effects of not releasing the handbrake are: 1. It will accelerate the wear of the brake discs; 2. The brake pads will harden due to overheating; 3. It will degrade the performance of the handbrake and lengthen the handbrake cable. The handbrake, also known as an auxiliary brake, is an extremely important component of the vehicle's braking system. Proper use of the handbrake can effectively prevent the vehicle from rolling and reduce the danger caused by rolling when parked. The functions of the handbrake are: 1. When parked, pulling the handbrake keeps the vehicle stationary and prevents it from rolling downhill; 2. During driving, pulling the handbrake while turning can create a drifting effect; 3. In emergency situations, the handbrake can be used as a brake.
Once I forgot to release the handbrake and drove several kilometers. The car felt extremely sluggish when starting, and it wouldn't move even when I stepped on the accelerator. After stopping, I found the rear brake pads were severely overheated and worn out. Later, it cost me nearly a thousand yuan to replace the brake pads at the repair shop. The mechanic said driving like this for a long time could even warp the brake discs, affecting handling safety. Now I've developed the habit of checking the dashboard immediately after starting the car - if the handbrake light is on, I pull and release it. Before starting, I pull the handbrake to double-check, which gives me peace of mind. Paying attention to such small details can make driving smoother and more worry-free. Especially for new drivers, being mindful of this little habit can help avoid unnecessary troubles.
As someone who frequently deals with car issues, I believe the consequences of driving with the handbrake on are significant. It causes continuous friction and heating of the rear brakes, accelerating wear and deformation of the brake pads. Vehicle performance noticeably declines, with the throttle becoming unresponsive and increased fuel consumption, while the engine bears a heavy load and is prone to overheating. Over time, the brake master cylinder may also develop issues. I've noticed many car owners ignore the dashboard warning lights, thinking it's no big deal, but in reality, each repair is quite costly. Always release the handbrake before shifting gears as a routine step to prevent accidental damage to the braking system.
