Will driving with the handbrake on for a distance affect the car?
1 Answers
Driving with the handbrake on for a distance can cause varying degrees of damage to the car's brake pads, and the warning light on the dashboard will also illuminate. It should be released promptly once noticed. Below are relevant details: Short distance: If only driven a short distance, it is likely not a major issue. You can usually tell if the handbrake is engaged—always check the dashboard indicator lights before driving and ensure everything is normal before starting. Driving with the handbrake on. Effects: The most immediate impact is accelerated wear on the brake discs and hardening of the brake pads due to overheating. This can lead to reduced braking performance. Sometimes, a burning smell noticed by the driver comes from this issue. In severe cases, smoke may emerge from the rear of the car, and the brake pads could potentially catch fire. Imagine the car catching fire while on the road—how terrifying.