What Happens If You Forget to Release the Car Handbrake?
4 Answers
Forgetting to release the car handbrake can lead to: 1. The brake pump being unable to provide sufficient braking force, causing the engine to stall; 2. Accelerated wear of the brake disc and hardening of the brake pads due to friction-generated heat; 3. Elongation of the handbrake cable; 4. Leakage of brake cylinder oil, resulting in brake failure. The correct method for using the handbrake is: 1. Press the handbrake button before pulling it; 2. Apply gentle force when pulling the handbrake; 3. Pull the handbrake up to about 70% of its capacity, as pulling it all the way to the top can shorten the lifespan of the handbrake cable. The handbrake is designed to secure the vehicle on flat or inclined surfaces when parked, preventing unintended movement in the absence of a driver and avoiding traffic accidents.
I remember when I used to work on cars, I often saw that not releasing the handbrake was a serious issue. While driving, you could feel the rear wheels getting hot and the brake pads rubbing heavily. This would cause the braking system to overheat, and driving like this for a long time would wear out the brake pads very quickly. After driving for a while, you might even smell a burning odor, and in severe cases, the brake discs could warp or even catch fire. What's worse, there would be a noticeable loss of power, the car wouldn't move well, and fuel consumption would increase significantly. It's best to glance at the dashboard before starting the car each time—if the warning light is on, stop immediately and check the handbrake. If not repaired in time, the rear wheel bearings or drive shaft could be damaged, and fixing that would be a hassle, costing at least a few hundred bucks for a shop inspection.
Last week, I forgot to release the handbrake when driving. The car struggled to start, couldn't pick up speed, and kept jerking. After driving just a few kilometers, I smelled a burning odor. When I stopped and checked, the dashboard warning light was on, which gave me a scare. I quickly pulled and released the handbrake—fortunately, nothing serious happened. But the brake pads were scorching hot and had to cool down before I could drive again. Since then, I've developed a habit: as soon as I sit in the driver's seat, I check the handbrake button position to ensure it's fully released before pressing the accelerator. Beginners often make this mistake—don't underestimate it. Driving with the handbrake on not only wastes fuel but also affects acceleration performance, especially in traffic jams, where it's particularly noticeable.
Forgetting to release the handbrake can be quite troublesome. The braking system will continue to rub, causing the brake pads to overheat and wear out quickly. Driving feels like dragging a heavy stone, naturally leading to a surge in fuel consumption. If driven further, the brake discs may overheat, warp, or even burn out. Simply put, this issue not only damages the car but also wastes fuel and money. It's best to be more mindful in daily use, such as developing a habit of checking after parking to avoid negligence.
