What Causes the Car to Drag Brakes?

[VonCalvin]

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.

[DelAniyah]

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.

[DelDylan]

Oh, this is an old topic! I made similar mistakes when I first got into car modifications. If the car feels like it's braking, it's likely that the brake discs and pads are stuck together due to high temperature or after rain, or the springs in the calipers aren't retracting properly. Imagine this: driving right after washing the car when the water hasn't dried, causing the brake discs to rust and create resistance, making the wheels feel like they're filled with lead and hard to push. Some friends who replaced aftermarket parts without proper adjustments also experienced this. The spike in fuel consumption is a real headache—I once spent 20% more on gas for a city trip. Always park in a dry place, and don't rush to drive after rain; let the discs and pads dry first. If you smell burning rubber, stop immediately to avoid overheating the brake system, which is not only costly but also dangerous. Address this early to avoid bigger issues.

[StKai]

From a daily usage perspective, with two children often riding in the car, safety is my top priority. If the car moves while the brake is applied, the most likely causes are either the handbrake not being fully engaged or getting stuck - especially since my partner sometimes doesn't check thoroughly when parking. During weather changes, brake discs and pads are prone to rusting and sticking together, or brake fluid leaks can prevent calipers from retracting properly. This creates slight resistance when driving and unstable steering. I've noticed that regular maintenance can prevent these issues - inspecting the wheel areas at least monthly is essential. I teach my children not to touch control levers randomly in the car to minimize accidental operations. Such malfunctions increase fuel consumption and tire wear, costing more money and being environmentally unfriendly. Getting it repaired promptly ensures safe travels for the whole family.

[PhoebeLynn]

I drive about an hour to and from work every day, and this issue is often annoying. The car drives with the brakes engaged, commonly because the brake pads are stuck to the disc and not fully released, or the drum brakes are rusted and sticking. This can noticeably feel like the car is dragging, accelerating slowly, and may even produce clunking sounds. Over time, fuel consumption increases significantly—I've experienced spending dozens of extra dollars a month on gas when prices were high. Another factor could be a faulty wheel cylinder or brake fluid issue. I suggest first checking if the handbrake is properly released and testing if there's resistance when pushing the car in neutral. Don’t underestimate this issue—it not only wastes fuel but also accelerates brake pad wear, leading to higher repair costs. Commuters should develop a habit: ensure the brakes are released every time you park and regularly check the braking system.