What Happens If You Don't Engage the Handbrake When Parking?
3 Answers
Parking without engaging the handbrake can cause the vehicle to roll backward, potentially leading to accidents. The handbrake serves to brake the vehicle when parked on flat or inclined surfaces, preventing it from moving unintentionally when unattended, thereby avoiding traffic accidents. The correct method to engage the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. Engage the handbrake to about 70% of its capacity—pulling it all the way to the top can shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The dangers of driving without releasing the handbrake include: 1. The brake pump cannot provide sufficient braking force, potentially stalling the engine; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to friction heat; 3. Stretching of the handbrake cable; 4. Leakage of brake fluid from the wheel cylinders, resulting in brake failure.
When I was young and driving, I often forgot to engage the handbrake. Once, I parked on a small slope at the entrance of my neighborhood and rushed out of the car due to an urgent matter. When I returned, the car had slid several meters and hit my neighbor's fence. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the repairs and compensation cost me thousands. Since then, I've made it a habit to always engage the handbrake when parking, especially on slopes where reduced friction can cause the car to move on its own, potentially leading to collisions. Manual transmission cars are even more dangerous—if the gear isn't properly set, the car can roll away. Even with automatic transmissions in 'Park,' relying solely on it isn't enough; the handbrake helps share the load. My friends say I've become much more meticulous—driving safely isn't just about skill; small habits start with the little things. Never skip this step out of laziness.
Parking without engaging the handbrake truly hides safety hazards. I once experienced such an incident: at a supermarket parking lot with a slight incline, I left my car without the handbrake on while shopping for half an hour. Upon returning, I found the car had slid backward and scraped against a nearby pillar—fortunately, no damage was done to the pillar. That incident made me realize that without the handbrake, the wheels aren’t securely locked, and the vehicle could slide unexpectedly, potentially hitting pedestrians or objects, leading to accident risks. Now, whenever I drive, I remind myself to engage the handbrake immediately after parking, just like an instinctive action as habitual as drinking water. For automatic transmission cars, adding the handbrake when in 'Park' mode is even more reliable; for manual transmissions, it’s absolutely essential. Developing this habit can reduce risks and ensure a safe journey.
