What should I do if I drove 5 kilometers without releasing the handbrake?
3 Answers
Forgetting to release the handbrake and driving for 5 kilometers will not cause serious damage to the car, but it will accelerate the wear of the brake pads and will not harm the engine. The degree of brake pad wear can be determined by testing the braking effect or by observing the position of the brake handle to see if it needs to be pulled tighter to be effective. The effects of driving without releasing the handbrake: 1. The brake discs will wear faster, and the brake pads will harden after heating up, causing the handbrake cable to stretch, which will reduce braking performance. In severe cases, smoke may even appear from the rear of the car; 2. If you drive for a long time with the handbrake engaged, it may also cause the brake caliper to seize, brake fluid leakage, or the brake fluid temperature to become too high, leading to a complete loss of braking function, which is very dangerous.
Oops, I forgot to release the handbrake and drove for 5 kilometers—been there, done that. While driving, I felt the car was unusually sluggish, especially when climbing hills, and that's when I realized the handbrake wasn't fully disengaged. After parking, I noticed a burning smell and quickly turned off the engine to check the rear wheels—the brake drums were scorching hot. I found a safe spot to let the car cool down before taking it to the repair shop. Turns out the brake pads had worn thin, so I spent 200 bucks on new ones. Now I've developed a good habit: I always check if the handbrake light is off before starting the car. After driving this distance, don't rush onto the highway—find a safe place to check for any unusual noises or if the brakes feel loose. If possible, get it inspected as soon as you can to avoid further damage. Never take the braking system lightly—after this lesson, I now make sure it's checked during regular maintenance.
I did the exact same thing recently—drove 5 kilometers with the handbrake on and felt a sudden pang of worry. I immediately pulled over and checked for any unusual smells; thankfully, there were none, but the steering wheel felt heavier. Handling it was straightforward: first, park the car securely and test the brakes. If they feel normal when pressed now, you can continue driving but avoid high speeds. If there’s an issue, call for roadside assistance. Afterwards, I went to a local auto repair shop for a quick check on the brake pads and wheel hubs. The mechanic said there was minor wear and did a free adjustment. My advice is to develop a habit of checking the dashboard indicators before starting the car next time, or even put up a small reminder note. Driving that distance might have consumed a bit more fuel and worn the brakes slightly faster, but don’t panic—most of the time, it’s not a big deal as long as you address it promptly. Safe driving comes first, and now I make sure everything’s perfect before every trip.
