Common car braking mistakes new drivers often make

Forgot to lower or did not lower the handbrake completely

Forgetting to pull or release the handbrake is a common problem, especially for new drivers. There are two possible scenarios when forgetting to release the handbrake: forgetting completely, or not releasing it completely, causing the handbrake to still lightly engage the G-joints.

However, many drivers' opinions on this issue show that in any case, many people do not fully understand or do not fully anticipate the damage caused by this negligence.

On most cars today, the parking brake system (handbrake) uses disc or drum brakes, designed independently or combined with the main brake system, but all are still located in the rear brake assembly.

When the brake pads are still touching the brake drum or disc (forgot to release the handbrake or did not release it completely), the large friction between the brake pads and the brake drum or disc will generate a lot of heat when the vehicle is running, causing the brake pads to burn.

In addition, the hot hub seals and grease will melt and cause rapid failure. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor mounted on the brake assembly can also be damaged, and boiling brake fluid can also reduce braking effectiveness.

Release the handbrake when the car is not completely stopped.

In addition to forgetting to lower or not fully lowering the handbrake, due to car usage habits or carelessness, some new drivers often lower the handbrake when the car has not completely stopped. In fact, the handbrake is not designed to stop a moving car, but only to keep the car stationary when it has stopped.

In case the vehicle is moving or has not stopped completely, if the driver accidentally pulls the handbrake, the braking force acting on the 2 rear wheels or 2 front wheels depending on whether the vehicle uses front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, can lead to wheel slippage, causing danger.

Using the handbrake while the car is running is only used by professional drivers to perform drifting stunts. However, cars used for performance are often “modified” with a handbrake system to create greater braking force.

With older car models, in case of unavoidable problems with the foot brake, the solution used by many people is to pull the handbrake, but because the impact force of the handbrake is weaker or the brake pads are worn, it is difficult to take effect.

Forgot to pull the handbrake when parking

One of the common mistakes that drivers make is forgetting to pull the handbrake when parking. This can cause unexpected collisions and accidents. Some new drivers often forget or subjectively think that when parking, shifting the gear lever to P will make the car stop.

However, even though the gear lever is in P, the car cannot move because the gearbox is holding it, but there are many cases where the car is parked in places with a large slope, the car is under heavy load or for some reason can cause an accident, the P gear is ineffective and the ratchet gear wears out quickly. At this time, if the handbrake is not applied, the car will slide and it is very easy to collide.

Therefore, to ensure safety, when using a car, drivers should get into the habit of pulling the handbrake when stopping or parking.

Here are some notes when using the car handbrake

Remember to release the handbrake before moving the vehicle.

Regularly check the handbrake and maintain the brake system to avoid brake jamming due to lack of oil or rust.

When parking overnight, you should use the handbrake to help avoid skidding or moving. Even if you park overnight for many days, it will not affect the braking system much.