What Causes the Car to Drag Brakes?
2 Answers
The reason a car drags brakes is that there is no clearance between the brake pedal and the master cylinder piston, and the brake pads in the wheel cylinders do not fully retract. Below are some precautions regarding brakes: 1. Regularly inspect and replace brake fluid: Clean, high-quality brake fluid is essential for maintaining the brake system in good condition. Check the brake fluid level monthly. If the fluid level shows a continuous and significant drop, have it inspected at a 4S shop. Additionally, brake fluid requires high purity. If contaminated with impurities or air, braking performance will be severely affected. If contamination is detected, drain the excess fluid and flush the entire system, then refill the master cylinder with new fluid. The color of the brake fluid can also serve as a warning. If the fluid is too dark, it may indicate a problem. 2. If the car shakes when braking, inspect the brake pads and discs: Shaking during braking, especially in new cars, is often caused by deformed brake pads or discs. If the issue temporarily resolves after replacing the pads and discs but reappears after a month or two, inspect the wheel hub on that side, as a deformed hub can also cause shaking during braking. 3. Be cautious when applying the handbrake after washing the car in winter: The handbrake works by transmitting force through the brake cable to the rear brake system when the handbrake lever is pulled. After washing the car in winter, water may enter the brake cable. If the handbrake is applied while the cable is wet and the car is parked for a long time, the water may freeze, preventing the cable from moving even when the lever is released. Therefore, after washing the car in winter, drive the car for a short distance before parking and applying the handbrake.
I've been driving for almost ten years and often encounter this issue. When the car drags with the brakes on, it's mostly due to the brake pads sticking or getting caught on the disc, especially after rain when the discs and pads rust. If the handbrake isn't fully released, it can also cause the rear wheels to drag, making the car feel like it's being held back. I recommend checking it yourself first: after driving, touch the wheel hub—if it's hot, it means the brakes are stuck. Also, look for rust or debris blocking the wheel gap. Ignoring this issue long-term can increase fuel consumption, and higher fuel consumption means more frequent refueling, which hurts your wallet. I had an experience once: I forgot to release the handbrake and drove for a while, later noticing a burning smell. For safety, regularly inspect the braking system, and don’t rush when washing the car to prevent mud and water buildup in the brake components.
