Will driving a few meters with the handbrake on harm the car?
2 Answers
Driving a few meters with the handbrake on will not cause serious damage to the car, but it will generate heat in the brake discs of the two rear wheels. Over a longer distance, the discs may turn red, which only accelerates the wear of the brake pads. Effects of driving a short distance with the handbrake on: Driving a few meters with the handbrake on will not cause serious damage to the car, but it will generate heat in the brake discs of the two rear wheels. Over a longer distance, the discs may turn red, which only accelerates the wear of the brake pads. Effects of driving a long distance with the handbrake on: Driving for an extended period with the handbrake on may cause the brake calipers to seize, brake fluid to leak, and the brake fluid temperature to rise excessively, leading to a complete loss of braking function, which is very dangerous.
A few days ago, I encountered the same issue. I forgot to release the handbrake and drove off, feeling the car was unusually heavy after moving a meter or two, as if someone was dragging it down. My friend later explained that driving with the handbrake engaged causes extra wear on the brake pads, especially on uneven roads or slopes where the damage is worse. While driving a few meters won’t immediately ruin the car, doing this frequently can shorten the brake pads' lifespan and even lead to overheating and brake failure. For automatic transmission cars, the resistance is even greater, potentially affecting the transmission. Next time, it’s best to check the handbrake indicator before starting. If you smell burning or notice significant resistance, stop and inspect immediately to avoid turning a small issue into a big problem. Developing good habits is crucial—car repairs aren’t cheap, and safety always comes first.
