What Happens If You Forget to Release the Handbrake?

[Young]

It will affect the vehicle's tires and brake pads. Here are the relevant details: 1. Damage causes: When the handbrake is engaged, the tires are in a locked state, causing friction with the ground, which leads to tire wear. At the same time, it increases the load on the vehicle's braking system, potentially damaging the brake pads or brake calipers. 2. Different types of handbrakes: Traditional mechanical handbrakes, foot brakes, and electronic handbrakes. These three types differ only in operation, with no functional differences in usage. The more advanced and high-tech electronic handbrake is more aesthetically pleasing, space-saving, and more convenient to use.

[KathrynFitz]

If you forget to release the handbrake while driving, the car will feel unusually sluggish, as if dragging something heavy. The engine noise increases, the RPM rises, but the car's speed just won't pick up, and the tires rubbing against the ground produce a pungent burning smell. This resistance significantly accelerates the wear of the brake pads, potentially causing them to burn out within just a few kilometers. In severe cases, it may even damage the wheel bearings or the transmission system. If you attempt to start on a steep slope without releasing the handbrake, it could lead to the car rolling backward or skidding sideways, increasing the risk of hitting obstacles. I made this mistake when I first started driving, but now I've developed the habit of glancing at the handbrake indicator on the dashboard before starting, ensuring it's released to avoid unnecessary trouble.

[SanElisa]

From a mechanical perspective, forgetting to release the handbrake will lock the rear wheel brakes, preventing the wheels from rotating freely during driving. The continuous friction between the brake pads and brake discs generates heat, which can reach temperatures as high as several hundred degrees. This not only accelerates brake pad wear, shortening their lifespan and requiring frequent replacements, but also increases engine load, leading to a significant spike in fuel consumption—automatic transmission vehicles may experience up to a 20% increase in fuel usage. Worse yet, prolonged high temperatures can scorch rubber seals, creating a fire hazard. In manual transmission cars, it may also burn out the clutch plate. I recommend developing the good habit of checking the dashboard after ignition to avoid minor oversights turning into major issues.

[DiCarter]

Safety should never be taken lightly! Forgetting to release the handbrake can make the car sluggish when starting off, unresponsive during turns or acceleration, and especially prone to skidding and rear-end collisions on slippery roads. The situation is even more dangerous on slopes: stepping on the gas without releasing the handbrake may cause the vehicle to lose control, roll backward, hit a wall, or injure pedestrians. My advice is to take a second before driving to confirm that the handbrake indicator light is off—it's a simple and effective way to prevent accidents.