Why Can the Car Still Move After Engaging the Handbrake?
4 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.
From a vehicle maintenance perspective, if the car can move after the handbrake is engaged, it is usually due to system malfunctions, such as worn brake discs or pads reducing friction, or aging cables lacking sufficient tension. On steeper slopes, gravity may overcome the braking force, causing the vehicle to slide. Electronic handbrakes may also fail to fully lock if malfunctioning. The solution is straightforward: have a professional technician test the tension and adjust or replace any worn components. Choose parking spots away from steep slopes to minimize risk. Develop the habit of checking if the vehicle is securely parked each time.
When I was a novice learning to drive, I once pulled the handbrake but the car still moved, which startled me, so I asked the instructor. He taught me that it might not have been pulled all the way, or the road wasn't level, and gravity was pushing the car. Parking on a slope requires extra attention, especially with a manual transmission—engaging a gear can help secure the car. After practicing a few times, I learned to firmly pull the handbrake all the way, choose flat ground to park, and prevent any unexpected rolling to ensure my safety.
