What Happens When Driving with the Handbrake On?
2 Answers
Driving with the handbrake engaged may lead to the following consequences: 1. The most immediate impact is accelerated wear of the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, as well as elongation of the handbrake cable. 2. This results in reduced braking performance, and the burnt smell sometimes noticed by drivers originates from this. In severe cases, smoke may emerge from the rear of the vehicle. 3. Prolonged driving with the handbrake on can also cause the brake calipers to seize, leading to brake fluid leakage and excessively high brake fluid temperatures, ultimately resulting in a complete loss of braking function. Emergency measures: 1. If you find yourself driving with the handbrake engaged and notice a strong burnt smell or smoke from the rear, immediately reduce speed, apply the brakes, and release the handbrake. 2. Do not continue driving. Instead, pull over to the side of the road and wait for the vehicle to cool down, carefully checking for any other abnormalities. Never simply release the handbrake and continue driving while the vehicle is still overheated. 3. Correct method: Develop proper driving habits. Always check if the handbrake is released before driving, and pay close attention to the dashboard. The dashboard provides the most comprehensive information. By regularly monitoring the dashboard and heeding warning lights, you can avoid driving with the handbrake engaged.
Having driven for decades, I've seen many people forget to release the handbrake before driving. This is no trivial matter. Driving with the handbrake engaged causes continuous friction on the rear wheel brakes, generating high temperatures that rapidly wear down the brake pads and can even warp or ruin them. The car will feel sluggish, struggle to accelerate, and fuel consumption can spike by 10-20%. Worse yet, the high temperatures degrade braking performance, potentially leading to failure to stop in emergencies, resulting in rear-end collisions or accidents. Over time, this also damages the drivetrain, with repair costs soaring into the thousands for a full replacement. Cultivate the habit of checking before driving: glance at the dashboard before starting—the handbrake light should be off. If anything seems off, stop and let it cool for safety and peace of mind.
