What Causes the Brake Lock-up in Wuling Sunshine?
2 Answers
Below are the related reasons for brake lock-up in Wuling Hongguang:1. Handbrake pulled too tight: Control the direction according to road conditions and speed, disengage the high gear, and quickly rev the engine once without engaging the gear, then shift from high gear to low gear. This way, the engine will provide significant traction resistance to rapidly reduce the speed. Additionally, while shifting to low gear, the handbrake should be used in combination, but be careful not to pull the handbrake too tightly or too slowly.2. Minimize collision: Use the rigid parts of the car, such as the bumper or body, to rub or collide with natural obstacles on the roadside (like rocks, large trees, or slopes) to force the car to stop and escape danger, thereby minimizing accident losses as much as possible.3. Brake failure when going uphill: Downshift to medium or low gear in time to maintain sufficient power to drive to the top of the slope and stop. If stopping halfway up the slope is necessary, keep the car in a low forward gear, pull the handbrake tight, and have passengers promptly block the wheels with stones or wooden blocks. If the car starts to slide backward, turn the rear of the car toward the slope or a safe direction, and turn on the headlights and emergency signal lights to alert vehicles in front and behind.
Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered quite a few instances of brake lock-up with my Wuling Hongguang. The most common issue is rust and jamming of the brake caliper pistons. This vehicle is often used for hauling goods or driving on rural roads where there's a lot of dust and heavy rain, making the pistons prone to accumulating grime and corrosion, which hinders their retraction. Another problem is the sticking of brake pads or discs, especially after prolonged parking, where residual moisture can cause metal components to rust and lock up during braking. I once experienced brake lock-up on the highway, nearly causing a rear-end collision. Upon inspection, it was found that the brake wheel cylinder was damaged, and the mechanic suggested that the brake fluid might have been contaminated with water and deteriorated, not replaced in time. Such failures are quite hazardous, not only making the brakes stiff and uncontrollable but also accelerating tire wear. Therefore, my routine is to inspect the brake components during monthly car washes, removing rust and applying lubrication, and I insist on changing the brake fluid every two years to prevent lock-up risks. Safety comes first; don't wait for an accident to rush for repairs.
