i was thinking things like cages or shells..what are some other things can can protect or shield someone from something?
Driving on the handbrake is not a good idea as you know But.. we have all done it at some time or another. The car could possibly overheat as you are making it work against the brakes. Try driving without the handbrake and see if it still overheats. Have the switch checked and or dash light replaced so you don't forget again. Speed bumps are a pain to say the least but don't normally damage your car, usually the suspension will bottom out to take the impact but no real damage caused. I would test drive the car again and if you are still unsure or the overheating persists, take it into service and have them take a good look under the car.
Yes it could be serious, No it is not normal. Probably the fan motor, but let the repair guy check it out.
I suspect nothing is wrong. Very fine dust gets past the filter and settles on the elements or the outside of the the heat exchanger. It's not unusual for the smoke detector to go off the first time heat is turned on. If he has already used it this year he definitely has a problem.
