How to Deal with Stuck Brake Pads Preventing the Car from Moving?
3 Answers
If the brake pads are stuck and preventing the car from moving, you need to force-start the car and step hard on the accelerator. Once the rear wheels start moving, the issue should be resolved. Below is some relevant information about brake pads: 1. Maintenance Measures: The most direct method for maintaining brake pads is timely replacement, but daily maintenance practices are also essential. First, emergency braking can cause significant damage to brake pads, so it's important to brake gently or use intermittent braking (pump braking) in daily driving to minimize wear. Additionally, develop a habit of reducing reliance on braking by using engine braking to slow down before applying the brakes for further deceleration or stopping. Downshifting can also help in slowing down the car. 2. Introduction: Brake pads are composed of friction material layers, heat insulation layers, adhesive layers, and backing plates. The brake caliper pushes the backing plate to press the friction material of the brake pad against the brake disc for braking, making the quality of the friction material particularly important.
I remember the first time I encountered brake pad sticking when driving. The car was parked in the garage after rain, and when I started it, the tires wouldn't budge at all. I panicked, thinking the car was broken. Later, a friend explained that this situation often occurs in humid conditions or after long periods of parking, where the brake pads and drums get stuck together due to rust or moisture. The solution is actually quite simple: first, get in the car and gently press the accelerator for a few seconds to see if the vibration can loosen the sticking. If the car still doesn't move, try shifting into reverse and slowly backing up, then switch to drive and repeat the process. If that doesn't work, use handy tools like a hammer or pry bar to gently tap near the brake area around the tire. If all else fails, call for a tow truck or seek professional repair. For prevention, it's best not to pull the handbrake too tightly when parking, especially on rainy days—use rocks to block the wheels instead. This saves a lot of trouble and money.
After decades of driving, I've summarized many lessons. Brake pad sticking often occurs on humid days or when the car has been parked for too long, causing rust and jamming between the brake drum and pads. When dealing with it, be patient and don’t rush: first check if the surroundings are safe, get out of the car and push the tire by hand to feel the degree of obstruction. Then, start the engine, lightly rev the throttle for a few seconds, and try to loosen the stuck area with engine vibrations. Moving in reverse can help release it. If it still doesn’t work, use a brick to tap the side of the brake drum to release pressure and prevent component damage. For regular maintenance, avoid parking for long periods in areas prone to water accumulation. Before parking, don’t engage the handbrake—just put it in gear to prevent rolling. After driving in the rain, brake a few more times to dry the system. This method has worked well for years, reducing failure rates and extending brake pad lifespan.
