Why Can the Car Still Move After Engaging the Handbrake?
2 Answers
The reason why the car can still move after engaging the handbrake: Most cars' handbrakes lock the rear wheels. If it's a front-wheel-drive car, it can still move after pulling the handbrake; for rear-wheel-drive cars, as long as the engine has enough horsepower, even though the rear wheels are locked, the car will still move when the accelerator is pressed. It is not recommended to continue driving after engaging the handbrake, as this will accelerate tire wear and increase wear on the braking system. Every car has a handbrake, with some equipped with an electronic handbrake and others with a mechanical handbrake. Cars with a mechanical handbrake have a handbrake lever next to the gear shift; pulling the lever upwards locks the rear wheels. Cars with an electronic handbrake do not have a mechanical lever near the gear shift; instead, there is a button nearby.
When driving an older sedan, I often encounter the issue of the car slightly sliding after applying the handbrake, especially when parked on steep slopes. I asked a mechanic about it, and he explained that it might be due to loose handbrake cables or worn brake pads, resulting in insufficient braking force. Gravity and road inclination can increase the risk of sliding. He recommended engaging the gear when parking (using reverse or a forward gear for manual transmissions, or the P mode for automatic transmissions) or placing wheel chocks for added safety. During regular maintenance, remember to check the handbrake adjustment and test its tension every six months to prevent minor issues from becoming major hazards.
