What happens if you drive without releasing the parking brake?
2 Answers
Driving without releasing the parking brake will accelerate tire wear, increase wear on the parking brake itself, and place additional load on the engine, leading to a rise in engine temperature. The parking brake functions similarly to the handbrake found in most cars, with the main difference being the method of operation. Parking brakes are commonly seen in many Japanese vehicles. In cars equipped with a parking brake, after parking, you need to press the parking brake pedal with your left foot. To release it when driving, you simply press the pedal again. In contrast, cars with a handbrake require you to pull up the handbrake lever when parking and lower it when driving. Some vehicles are equipped with an electronic parking brake system, which operates differently from both the foot-operated parking brake and the traditional handbrake.
I have a habit of always checking if the parking brake is released before driving, because driving with it engaged can cause serious trouble. The rear brakes continuously rub against the tires, causing the brake pads to overheat and wear out quickly. The car will struggle to accelerate and fuel consumption will skyrocket. Driving like this for a long time may also lead to brake system failures, such as brake fluid boiling and losing effectiveness, increasing the risk of tire blowouts or loss of control. Especially in crowded urban areas, the increased resistance makes accidental collisions more likely. It's advisable to develop a double-check habit before starting: glance at the dashboard to see if the warning light is on, and test the throttle to ensure smooth operation. Safety first—if any issues arise, pull over immediately to check, avoiding unnecessary repair costs.
