On what road surfaces is a car prone to wheel lock-up?
2 Answers
Vehicles are prone to wheel lock-up on surfaces with low friction coefficients, such as icy or snowy roads. Due to the minimal friction generated on such surfaces, when the friction between the brake pads and brake discs exceeds that between the road surface and the wheels, the wheels can lock up and skid. This situation makes the vehicle highly susceptible to rollover or tipping accidents. Wheel lock-up refers to the condition where the friction pads and brake discs become stuck together and fail to separate. Installing an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) can prevent wheel lock-up during braking. For vehicles without ABS, if the brake pedal is pressed too hard while driving, the wheel speed will rapidly decrease. When the braking force surpasses the friction between the wheels and the road surface, the wheels will lock up.
From my experience in car repair, vehicles are most prone to wheel lock-up on slippery surfaces, such as ice or snow, where the friction coefficient is low. A single brake application can cause the tires to lock up immediately, especially in older cars without ABS systems, making the situation even worse. Wet roads during rain are also hazardous, as the water film on the surface reduces grip, increasing the risk of skidding and loss of control. On oil-slicked roads, the presence of oil stains causes a sudden drop in friction during braking, leading to lock-up. On gravel roads or loose muddy terrain, uneven surfaces cause the tires to lose contact points, resulting in lock-up under sudden braking. I recommend regularly checking tire pressure and wear, ensuring the ABS functions properly, slowing down in advance on these surfaces, and avoiding sudden braking to significantly reduce risks.
