Should I pull the handbrake when not using a car for a long time?
Normally when stopping or parking, the driver must use the handbrake to keep the car steady, but when parking for a long time, the handbrake should not be pulled because it can cause the car to lock up.
According to experts, pulling the handbrake for a long time will cause the pressure from the brake pads on the brake disc to cause dents or possibly jamming, rusting... Therefore, if the car is left for a long time without being driven, on relatively flat terrain, the driver only needs to pull the gear lever to P mode (for automatic cars) or to 1st gear (for manual cars) without using the handbrake. To be more careful, the driver can use the wheel chock to avoid rolling.
Pulling the handbrake and leaving it on for a long time makes the possibility of the car's brakes locking very high, so the driver needs to check on the spot using the following method:
- Lower the handbrake, start the engine on the spot, slowly press and release the foot brake 10 - 15 times to let the brake fluid circulate in the pipe and the brake piston work again.
- Check to see if the brake warning light is on on the dashboard, and ask someone else to stand outside the car and see if the rear brake lights are on, that is, check if the electrical and electronic functions of the brake system are working properly.
-Put the car in forward gear, gently press the accelerator to see if the car moves forward normally. If you clearly see the car's inertia or the brake warning light comes on during the first 100 - 200m of travel, it means the car's brakes are locked.
If you find that your car's brakes are locked after applying the handbrake for a long time, you should contact a tow truck or a professional mechanic to check and repair your car's brake system.
If you try to go, it can cause the brake pads to burn, smoke from the wheels, and scratch and damage the brake discs.
