What Happens If You Don't Release the Handbrake?
3 Answers
Electronic handbrakes are not a problem. Mechanical handbrakes can affect the car's braking system and also lead to tire wear. Below are the correct operating procedures for starting the car, as well as methods for releasing the handbrake and shifting gears: Correct Operating Procedure for Starting: First, press the clutch and brake, shift into first gear, then release the handbrake. Slowly lift the clutch with your left foot until the car body starts to shake (semi-clutch state), then hold your left foot steady. Gradually release the brake with your right foot, lightly press the accelerator, and once the car moves forward, you can fully release the clutch. Methods for Releasing the Handbrake and Shifting Gears: To release the handbrake, gently lift it upward, press the release button, and then fully release it. When shifting gears, cover the gear knob head with your palm facing downward, grip the knob firmly with all five fingers, and then proceed to shift gears.
I've seen many beginners forget to release the handbrake before starting off. The car becomes extremely sluggish, the throttle response is poor even when pressed, and the rear wheels emit a sharp metallic grinding noise. In this situation, the brake discs and pads are in constant friction, with temperatures rising to several hundred degrees. The brake pads can wear down by half in just a few kilometers, and in severe cases, the brake discs can warp from overheating. Once, I rescued a vehicle where the driver had driven over ten kilometers with the handbrake engaged – the rear wheels were literally smoking. Such damage isn't cheap to repair, not to mention the additional strain on the drivetrain and increased fuel consumption. Most importantly, it's a safety hazard. Releasing the handbrake suddenly on a slope could cause the car to roll, and locked rear wheels during sharp turns may lead to loss of control. Before every start, I've developed a habit of glancing at the handbrake indicator on the dashboard – this lesson is truly worth remembering.
Last week, a friend made this exact mistake—he drove his brand-new car for five kilometers before realizing the handbrake was still engaged. He mentioned the car felt unusually sluggish, requiring 2,000 RPM just to hit 30 km/h, with a burning smell wafting from the rear. Upon inspection, the wheel hubs were scorching hot, enough to fry an egg. The mechanic warned that such misuse forces the braking system to overwork, rapidly wearing down the pads and potentially deforming or failing the tightly pulled handbrake cables. For automatic transmissions, the ECU may forcibly downshift upon detecting abnormal load, risking long-term gearbox damage. Develop a pre-exit routine: check the dashboard, engage the handbrake, shift to 'P.' Post-startup, releasing the handbrake should be step one. A winter incident stands out—attempting a turn with the handbrake on nearly caused a skid on icy roads. Safety is non-negotiable.
