Posted on 2/28/2025
You hop in your car, ready to hit the road, but something feels off. The engine is running, and the gears are engaged, but the car isn’t moving as freely as it should. That’s when you realize—the hand brake is still on. Maybe you release it right away, or maybe you’ve already driven a few miles without noticing. But does driving with a stuck hand brake actually harm your car? And if so, how serious is the damage? How the Hand Brake Works The hand brake, also known as the parking brake or emergency brake, is designed to keep your car stationary when parked. It operates separately from the main braking system, usually engaging a cable that locks the rear wheels. This is useful when parking on an incline or as a backup in case the primary brakes fail. Hand brakes can either be manual levers, electronic buttons, or foot-operated pedals, depending on your car’s make and model. Regardless of the type, its job is the same—to prevent unwa ... read more