What Happens If You Forget to Release the Handbrake?

[VonAna]

Forgetting to release the handbrake can accelerate wear on the brake discs and cause the brake pads to harden due to overheating, which degrades the handbrake's performance and stretches the handbrake cable. Here are some precautions when using the handbrake: Mechanical Handbrake: For the most common mechanical handbrake, avoid pulling it too hard every time you park, and especially avoid pulling it all the way to the limit. Overstretching the metal or keeping it stretched for long periods can accelerate deformation, leading to faster deterioration of the handbrake cable's braking efficiency. Automatic Transmission Handbrake: For vehicles with an automatic transmission and an electronic handbrake, when parking on a slope, always engage the handbrake first to secure the vehicle before shifting the transmission into the P (Park) position. This reduces the load on the transmission and prevents the P-lock pawl from getting stuck, which could make it difficult to disengage later.