Why Can a Car Move with the Handbrake On?

[Elliot]

The reasons why a car can still move with the handbrake on include the handbrake not being tightened enough and excessive brake wear or damage. Driving with the handbrake engaged can accelerate the wear of the brake pads, cause the wheel hubs to overheat, lead to brake failure, increase the engine load, and make the cooling fan and generator belt more prone to overheating and catching fire. Below is an introduction to car handbrakes: There are two types of handbrakes in vehicles, one is the mechanical handbrake, and the other is the electronic handbrake. The structure of an electronic handbrake differs from that of a mechanical handbrake. Electronic handbrakes do not have a handbrake lever or handbrake cable. Vehicles equipped with electronic handbrakes have handbrake motors on the two rear wheels. When the handbrake button is pressed, the handbrake motors can push the brake pads to clamp the brake discs, preventing the vehicle from rolling.

[SanTeagan]

I have quite a bit of driving experience, and it's not uncommon for the car to move even when the handbrake isn't fully released. This usually happens because the handbrake isn't tight enough or has worn out, especially in older cars where the rear brakes don't provide enough stopping power. When you step on the gas, the engine's pushing force is strong enough to drag the car forward. When I was younger, I once drove a manual car and completely forgot to release the handbrake, driving stubbornly for about ten kilometers until I smelled burning rubber. The brake discs got so hot they turned red and almost got ruined. Looking back now, this is a serious hazard, especially for new drivers who might make this mistake easily. It's best to develop a habit of checking the handbrake before long trips to avoid wasting fuel and damaging the car. Over time, this could also lead to safety issues, like brake failure, so it's important to regularly visit a repair shop to adjust the braking system.

[OscarMarie]

As someone who drives to work regularly, I find it quite normal for the car to move without releasing the handbrake, especially in automatic transmission vehicles. Once the powertrain is engaged, the torque is strong enough to overcome the slight resistance from the brakes. For example, when starting on a slope, if you don't release the brake but press the accelerator harder, the car will struggle to move. However, the cost is significant. Last time I did this, the brake pads were severely worn, causing constant strange noises and a noticeable increase in fuel consumption. It's a good practice to check if the wheel hubs are hot to the touch after stopping, as excessive wear could lead to brake failure. Always remember to glance at the dashboard before driving—there's a handbrake indicator light—so you don't end up careless like me. Develop a simple routine: start the engine, release the handbrake, then press the accelerator, easily avoiding trouble.

[CarolineMarie]

I drive a manual transmission car and occasionally forget to release the handbrake. The car can still move because the engine provides enough force, especially at low speeds, to easily overcome the braking resistance. This is common when the rear wheel brakes are not fully locked, allowing the car to be dragged for a short distance, but it is not recommended for long distances. If you forget and drive with the handbrake on, the braking system will quickly heat up and wear out, posing safety hazards such as strange odors or even fire risks. It's best to stop immediately, confirm the situation, and have the car inspected.