How to Deal with a Locked Right Rear Wheel of a Car?
2 Answers
If the right rear wheel of a car is locked, you can release the handbrake, use a spare tire, or kick the side of the tire to solve the issue. Then, install an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to prevent future locking problems. Hazards of Wheel Locking: Friction can be divided into two types: rolling friction and sliding friction. Compared to rolling friction, sliding friction has a higher coefficient, and braking efficiency is highest when the wheels are close to locking. If the front wheels lock before the rear wheels, the car will lose steering ability. If the rear wheels lock before the front wheels, it can cause skidding. Therefore, wheel locking is very dangerous. ABS is installed to address the issue of wheel locking during braking. In cars without ABS, if the brake pedal is pressed hard while driving, the wheel speed will rapidly decrease. When the braking force exceeds the friction between the wheels and the ground, the wheels will lock. Fully locked wheels reduce the friction between the tires and the ground. If the front wheels lock, the driver cannot control the vehicle's direction. If the rear wheels lock, skidding is highly likely. In cars equipped with ABS, during emergencies, speed sensors installed on each wheel or driveshaft continuously monitor the wheel speed. A computer calculates the wheel slip rate (to determine if the wheels are locked) and compares it with the ideal slip rate, deciding whether to increase or decrease the braking pressure. The controller instructs the regulator to reduce the hydraulic pressure in the wheel's brake cylinder, decreasing the braking torque. After a certain period, the original hydraulic pressure is restored. This cycle repeats (up to 5-10 times per second), ensuring the wheels remain rotating while maintaining maximum braking torque. Thus, ABS keeps the wheels in a slightly slipping rolling state during braking, preventing lock-up and improving braking efficiency.
A locked-up right rear wheel on a car is really troublesome. I just experienced it once, and the first step is to safely park the car. Avoid slamming on the brakes or accelerating, as it can easily lead to loss of control. Find a flat spot to pull over and turn on the hazard lights. If the wheel is still locked, don’t force it to drive, as it may damage the suspension or tires. Check if the brake caliper is stuck or if there’s an issue with the brake hydraulic system. Regular maintenance can prevent this, such as cleaning the brake discs periodically to prevent rust. In my case, I called a tow truck and went to a repair shop, where replacing the brake pads solved the problem. Remember, the wheels can overheat before towing, so handle them carefully.
