Why does the car make noise when starting after releasing the handbrake?

[DeLogan]

This situation is normal, as it occurs when the brake pads and brake discs stick together, causing the brake pads to snap back when starting. The parking brake, commonly known as the handbrake, provides resistance to prevent the car from rolling when parked. The parking brake, whether a handbrake or the parking gear in an automatic transmission, locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. The force of the parking brake is much weaker than that of the service brake, just enough to prevent the car from rolling on a slope. There are different types of parking brakes, such as mechanical systems operated by hand or foot. Additionally, high-end vehicles increasingly use electronically controlled parking systems, commonly referred to as electronic handbrakes. The braking system is a crucial component of a car, directly affecting driving stability and safety. The main components of the braking system include the vacuum booster, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake pads, and brake discs. Both brake discs and brake pads are wear-and-tear parts that require regular replacement, as they wear down over the vehicle's mileage.

[OFinn]

Last time my car did this, the mechanic told me it was mainly because the brake pads and rotors got stuck together. Especially after rain or washing the car, the layer of surface rust on the rotors makes them adhere. You need to use a bit more force to release the parking brake, and when they separate, it makes a cracking sound. This isn't a major issue—just drive a few more miles to wear it off. However, if the noise persists for several consecutive days, it's best to check if the rear wheel brake caliper pistons are retracting properly and inspect the lubrication of the brake caliper slide rails. Also, avoid pulling the parking brake immediately after washing the car when parked on a slope to reduce this situation.

[OAlex]

My cousin's training car had the same issue before, and it turned out to be a problem with the drum brakes. Many cars still use drum brakes on the rear wheels. If the parking brake is pulled for too long, the return springs of the brake shoes may fatigue, preventing the shoes from retracting promptly when released. When you start moving, the shoes might still be rubbing against the brake drum, creating a very sharp noise. This needs to be fixed immediately, as it's dangerous if the rear wheel locks up due to the shoes getting stuck. Here's a little tip: don't pull the parking brake all the way when parking for long periods; on flat ground, just putting it in gear is more worry-free. If you smell rubber burning or notice the wheel hub getting hot, don't hesitate—get it checked right away.

[OliveRose]

Subzero temperatures are quite common here in winter. Xiao Wang, the car mechanic, says the most troublesome issue is water accumulation and freezing inside the handbrake cables—when released, the ice cracks and crumbles. Especially after de-icing agents are applied, the salt accelerates wire corrosion, making the cable movement sound like an old man coughing. A reminder to everyone: After snow, tap the handbrake cable housing near the inner side of the rear wheels before driving. Here’s a lesser-known fact—some cars perform an ABS pump self-check when releasing the handbrake, and the motor sound can easily be mistaken for abnormal noise. This usually stops on its own after a few seconds.

[VonLogan]

My old car suffered from this issue, which actually turned out to be a problem with the rear wheel bearings. The mechanic found that the positioning pins inside the handbrake drum were worn out with pits. When releasing the handbrake, the brake pads would bounce in these pits, creating a clanging sound. This requires replacing the entire parking mechanism, and the repair alone can take half a day. If you hear metallic knocking sounds, here are two things to check: try stepping on and releasing the handbrake while idling on flat ground to locate the source of the sound, and check if the wheel hub is out of round. As a side note, those who have upgraded to larger rims should be aware that if the inner side of the rim rubs against the caliper, it can also cause a rattling noise.

[DiLilah]

Once encountered this situation during a self-driving trip, the mountain road was terrifying. Later learned it was an aftereffect of modified brake pads. Aftermarket brake pads had excessive hardness, with significant fluctuations in friction coefficient when cold, producing high-frequency vibrations and squealing screams when releasing the handbrake. It's recommended to look for original manufacturer certification marks when choosing brake pads. Also, here's a small tip: if the noise disappears after lightly applying the brakes when starting, you can basically rule out wheel bearing issues. Apply some copper-based grease to the edges of the brake pads before long-term parking to prevent sticking and abnormal noises.