Will Driving with the Handbrake On Damage the Car?
2 Answers
Driving with the handbrake on will damage the car. Increased brake wear: The main effects include accelerated wear on the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to overheating, as well as stretching of the handbrake cable. The faster the speed, the greater the damage to the braking components. This leads to reduced braking performance, and sometimes the burnt smell noticed by drivers comes from this. In severe cases, smoke may appear from the rear of the car. Tire wear: Keeping the handbrake engaged for too long can also cause the rear wheels to lock up, leading to smoke from friction and significantly impairing braking performance. Abnormal driving: Manual transmission cars are prone to stalling, requiring more throttle to start. Automatic transmission cars will experience jerky acceleration, and the vehicle will exhibit noticeable abnormalities when starting.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and once I was in such a hurry that I forgot to release the handbrake and stepped on the gas directly. The car just revved loudly, the wheels didn't move, and I smelled a burning odor. When I got out to check, the rear brake pads were almost melted, costing me several hundred bucks to replace. This kind of operation can overheat the braking system, cause severe wear, and even damage transmission components, leading to hefty repair bills in the long run. Now I've made it a habit to glance at the handbrake position before starting, especially in places like parking lots. Safety first—never overlook this small action, as it could be even more dangerous if the handbrake gets stuck at high speeds.
