What to Do If You Drive a Distance Without Fully Releasing the Handbrake?
3 Answers
It is recommended to have the rear brake pads and brake discs inspected at a service station. If severe wear is detected, replacement of the rear brake pads is advised. Below is relevant information about the handbrake: 1. Principle: The handbrake, professionally referred to as an auxiliary brake, operates differently from the main braking system. It uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to apply braking force to the vehicle. Prolonged use of the handbrake can cause the steel cable to undergo plastic deformation. Since this deformation is irreversible, long-term use may reduce its effectiveness and increase the handbrake's travel distance. 2. Associated Components: The handbrake system also includes a return spring. When the handbrake is engaged, the spring is stretched; when released, the spring returns to its original length. With prolonged use, the spring may also experience corresponding deformation.
I once did the same thing - drove about seven or eight kilometers without releasing the handbrake. Halfway through, I felt the car struggling to move and had to press the accelerator harder before realizing something was wrong. I immediately pulled over to a safe spot, got out, and saw the rear wheels were scorching hot with a burning smell. I promptly re-engaged and released the handbrake to ensure it was fully disengaged. Afterwards, I rushed to get it checked and repaired – sure enough, the brake pads were damaged and needed replacement. Since then, I've made it a habit to glance at the dashboard warning lights before starting the car and manually confirm the handbrake lever is completely down. I advise new drivers not to rush when busy; taking five seconds to check can save major trouble. The risks are significant – prolonged driving with the handbrake on can overheat and warp the brake discs, and in severe cases, even cause spontaneous combustion. Taking a deep breath and double-checking before driving is the safest approach.
I've encountered this situation several times. When you feel increased resistance while driving, you should address it immediately. Don't panic, first pull over to a safe spot, shift to neutral, and re-engage the parking brake to the released position. Then check if the rear wheels are hot to the touch or emitting smoke. If everything seems fine, drive slowly to a repair shop to have the brake pads and axle checked. Make it a habit to check dashboard warning lights before starting the car, or pay extra attention to the parking brake position when parking, especially in vehicles with electronic parking brakes to avoid mistakenly thinking it's automatically released. The key is quick response - delaying can lead to brake system overheating and failure, increasing accident risks. Prevention is better than repair; developing good habits can extend your vehicle's lifespan and save you money.
