What happens if you forget to release the handbrake while driving?
2 Answers
Forgetting to release the handbrake will accelerate the wear of the brake discs, and the brake pads may harden due to overheating, reducing the effectiveness of the handbrake and lengthening the handbrake cable. Specific details are as follows: 1. Driving for a long time without releasing the handbrake may cause the brake caliper to seize, leading to brake fluid leakage and an increase in the temperature of the brake fluid, eventually resulting in a complete loss of the handbrake's braking function. 2. If this continues for an even longer period, you may smell a burning odor, and in severe cases, smoke may even appear from the rear of the vehicle. Driving with the handbrake engaged can also cause some damage to the vehicle's tires, and the faster the speed, the greater the damage to various components. Therefore, it is recommended to check whether the rear brake pads and brake discs are functioning normally and whether they need to be replaced.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I think driving with the handbrake still engaged is definitely not good. The car feels like it's being dragged along, acceleration becomes sluggish, and the engine has to work extra hard, causing fuel consumption to skyrocket. Even worse, the brake pads keep rubbing, and if they overheat, they might warp or even burn. Once, I drove on a mountain road with the handbrake still on for 20 minutes, and that burnt smell suddenly filled the car—it was terrifying. After checking, I found the rear brake pads were completely worn down, costing me hundreds in repairs. It's also a major safety hazard, as emergency braking effectiveness drops significantly, and you're more likely to lose control when taking turns. So now, the first thing I do when getting in the car is check the handbrake indicator light—making it a habit saves a lot of trouble.
