How to Eliminate Brake Lock-Up?
2 Answers
Brake lock-up can be resolved by engaging first gear or reverse gear, utilizing the vehicle's power to address the issue. Causes of brake lock-up include: 1. Absence of an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System); 2. Prolonged vehicle inactivity leading to lock-up. The functions of the ABS are: 1. Enhancing brake efficiency, reducing braking time and distance; 2. Preventing vehicle skidding and fishtailing during emergency braking, ensuring good driving stability; 3. Maintaining steering control during emergency braking; 4. Minimizing intense friction between tires and the ground, reducing tire wear. Reasons for the ABS light appearing on the dashboard include: 1. Faulty wheel speed sensor; 2. ABS circuit malfunction; 3. ABS pump or pressure control solenoid valve failure; 4. ABS computer malfunction.
Having driven for so many years, I've encountered brake lock-up quite a few times, usually due to seized calipers or rusted brake pads. When you feel the car dragging, immediately find a safe spot to stop and turn off the engine—don't keep driving to avoid damaging the chassis or tires. Try gently pressing the brakes a few times to see if they loosen up a bit. If that doesn't work, check the brake fluid for air bubbles or contamination. Most of the time, you'll need to visit a repair shop to have a technician lubricate the pistons or replace the brake pads to fix the issue. Prevention is key. I make it a habit to check the cleanliness of the brake system every month and thoroughly dry it after rain or winter to avoid moisture-induced rust. If I do any DIY work, I stick to minor fixes and avoid taking risks—safe driving is the top priority.
