Has this damaged my car?

Katykat

Help! Daughter drove my car for 15 miles with handbrake on. I was in the car but didn't notice anything different. Only when we got out the car & smelt burning. I've parked the car now in the garage with the handbrake off, but what should I do tomorrow? Am I going to have to take it into the workshop? Whats the long term damage likely to be?

Gene_Hunt_2

Worn pads?

anewman

All rather modern cars I have driven have made an annoying beep sound in this event. As above I think it will be nothing more than worn shoes. If the handbrake still holds well on a hill and has enough reserve travel I wouldn't even bother getting it looked at.

diable

What make of car is it as some have separate pads for the handbrake?

Katykat

Thanks folks, quick response. I've googled this and got everything from "no damage" to "serious, get it looked at ASAP" so its a bit confusing. The car is a Suzuki IGNIS automatic and the rear brakes have only just been replaced ( 2 months ago). I've not tried it out yet but I'll drive around the block tomorrow & see. I read on a blog somewhere that it not necessary to even apply the handbrake when parked on the level. Was this windup? It obviously isn't very effective anyway, as it allowed ( EX ) daughter (!!!!!!!) to drive with it on.

anewman

Katykat wrote: »

It obviously isn't very effective anyway, as it allowed ( EX ) daughter (!!!!!!!) to drive with it on.

ALL handbrakes will let you drive with the handbrake on, it's designed to stop the car rolling from a stopped position on a hill, not to stop you driving it. Think about it, when you put your foot on the brake pedal your car doesn't stop instantly, it slows you down gradually in the absence of acceleration from the engine. If you held down the brake and accelerator pedal you would likely continue and make the brakes very hot and a burning smell.

If parking without handbrake on make sure to have the car in gear to help prevent it rolling away.

If they have been replaced recently and it was 15 miles I think you will be perfectly fine. Just find a hill and see if the handbrake holds the car firmly without too many clicks.

Please don't make her your Ex daughter it's the festive season

Will.ii.am

by the sounds of it the handbrake had been let off but not all the way,i wouldnt of thought it was on fully because i dont think you would gone any where at all.If the handbrake works suffiently when you try it i wouldnt worry.If you put the handbrake on fully then try to set off and the cars moving under not alot of throttle i would suggest getting them looked at.

Katykat

Thanks Anewman- I was only joking about my daughter. In fact I'm glad she was driving, if it had been me who had done it, my hubby would not have taken it as well. All she had to do was look at him & he caved in. Ha!!!. I'll go out and find a hill tomorrow. Thank goodness the B***** snow has gone or I might not have been able to tell if the brakes work or not.

Will.ii.am

anewman wrote: »

ALL handbrakes will let you drive with the handbrake on, it's designed to stop the car rolling from a stopped position on a hill, not to stop you driving it.

The handbrake is there to stop your car full stop,thats why its also known as the emergency brake.In theory when you engage the hand brake it locks the back brakes so they dont turn.

diable

How long has your daughter held a license for?

anewman

Will.ii.am wrote: »

The handbrake is there to stop your car full stop,thats why its also known as the emergency brake.In theory when you engage the hand brake it locks the back brakes so they dont turn.

It only needs to keep the car where it is. Many people apply handbrakes very tightly then wonder why their handbrake cable stretches/snaps later. You only need to apply it tight enough to hold the car.

Holding the car is rather different to stopping the wheels moving entirely. Rear brakes on most cars are what is used as the handbrake. The rear brakes are much less efficient at braking than the front brakes, the idea being that if the rear wheels lock up a skid induced by this is not as easy to control as if the front wheels lock up. Put your handbrake on as tight as you can, if you give it enough revs your car will still move off without stalling. Most cars have a warning beep in addition to the dash warning light for this very possibility.

Note that when you brake to a stop, less braking effort (pushing of the pedal) is needed to keep your car where it is than was needed to stop it.

Another test you can try out if you like (might I add you should do this with extreme care and know what you're doing) - drive along, put the handbrake on and brake hard and see how hard you need to brake before the ABS makes your brake pedal vibrate as that is when your brakes lock up. You'll still find it takes some effort to lock the rear wheels and this is with the brake assistance given by your car's engine.