What to Do When a Tire Locks Up?
2 Answers
Generally, if the brake drum gets wet after washing the car or during rain and the handbrake is applied, the tire may lock up after being left for a long time. You can use the vehicle's power to rotate the tire. The solution to this problem is to clean the entire braking system and replace the brake master cylinder rubber cup. You can repair it by sanding with sandpaper and applying grease. If the wheel cylinder itself is faulty, it may need to be replaced directly. Use hot water to melt the ice, or gently tap the brake drum with a blunt object like a hammer a couple of times. Prolonged braking can cause excessive heat, preventing the brake pads from separating on their own. Depending on the situation, the brake pads may need to be sanded or replaced directly.
I usually drive quite carefully, but last time when I was in a hurry on a rainy day, one of the tires suddenly locked up, causing the car to swerve violently and almost leading to an accident. The first thing I did was to immediately release the brake pedal, gently steady the steering wheel, avoid sharp turns, and let the car slow down to regain control. If that didn't work, I pumped the brakes a few times—pressing and releasing—until the tire could rotate again, then pulled over to the side. After ensuring safety, I checked if there was a stone stuck in the tire or if the brake pads were worn. I didn't attempt to fix it myself but went straight to an auto repair shop to have the brake system or ABS checked. It's a good habit to check the brake fluid and tire pressure every month, and be extra cautious about skidding in winter or snowy conditions to avoid tire lock-ups.
