What to Do If You Forgot to Release the Handbrake and Drove a Short Distance?
2 Answers
Forgetting to release the handbrake and driving a short distance usually does not cause serious consequences, unless you have driven dozens of kilometers, in which case there is no need to worry too much. Below is some relevant information about the car handbrake: 1. Introduction to the Handbrake: The professional term for the handbrake is the auxiliary brake, which uses a steel cable connected to the rear brake shoes to brake the car. 2. Consequences of Incorrect Use: Driving without releasing the handbrake most directly affects the accelerated wear of the brake disc, as well as the hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, and the stretching of the handbrake cable. If you drive for a long time with the handbrake engaged, it may lead to brake fluid leakage from the brake cylinder, and in severe cases, it may cause the complete failure of the braking function.
I remember making this mistake when I first started driving too—forgetting to release the handbrake and driving a short distance. After finishing the drive, I smelled a burning odor and immediately stopped to check. If it was low-speed, short-distance driving, it might just be slight wear on the brake pads, no big deal; but if you drove fast or for a long distance, the handbrake system could overheat, leading to reduced braking performance or even damage. I suggest finding a safe spot to stop and turn off the engine immediately, letting the brakes cool for at least half an hour. Check the tightness of the handbrake, sniff for any unusual smells, and test the brake pedal to see if it responds normally. Make it a habit to release the handbrake before shifting into gear when starting up. After this incident, I now repeat the sequence "handbrake, shift, start" every time I begin driving to avoid repeating the mistake. I’ve also learned to maintain the brakes regularly to extend their lifespan. Don’t worry, it’s no big deal!
