What happens if you drive with the handbrake on?
3 Answers
Driving with the handbrake on will accelerate tire wear and also wear out the braking system. Most cars still use mechanical handbrakes, which have a handbrake lever behind the gear shift lever. You need to pull the handbrake tight when parking and release it when driving. Many cars now use electronic handbrakes, which replace the lever with an electronic button usually located behind the gear shift lever. The electronic handbrake has a handbrake motor on the rear wheels. After engaging the handbrake, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. If the handbrake is not released while driving, this warning light will remain on, and the driver can easily notice it.
As a long-distance driver, I think driving with the handbrake on is quite dangerous. After starting the car, you'll feel it's particularly sluggish, the accelerator pedal feels heavy, and the dashboard may show a warning light. Over time, the brake pads and wheel hubs can wear out severely, even overheat and catch fire, increasing the risk of accidents. Fuel consumption will definitely skyrocket because you'll need to press the accelerator harder to maintain speed. A friend of mine burned out his brake system because of this, costing thousands to repair and wasting time. I recommend developing a habit of checking the handbrake indicator light before starting, or putting a small reminder inside the car. During regular maintenance, don't forget to ask the technician to check if the brake components are functioning properly. These small details can prevent major troubles and ensure driving safety.
I've driven various cars and have some experience. If you drive without releasing the handbrake, the car won't immediately suffer major damage, but the rear wheels will experience noticeable resistance. Driving a short distance is fine, but prolonged driving will cause the brake discs to overheat and warp, accelerate wheel hub wear, and reduce braking performance, potentially making it difficult to stop in emergencies. Tires may also wear unevenly, increasing tire noise and affecting driving comfort. Once, I forgot to release the handbrake while driving on the highway and discovered smoke coming from the brake discs at a service area. After replacing the parts, I regretted spending those few hundred dollars. Now, I've developed a routine: release the handbrake, fasten the seatbelt, and start the engine—it's become muscle memory. Regularly checking the brake system is also crucial, as it can extend the lifespan of parts and save both money and hassle.
