What to Do When Brakes Lock Up?
4 Answers
Solutions for locked brakes include: 1. Repairing the internal brake caliper by sanding with sandpaper and applying grease; 2. Replacing the brake caliper if it is faulty; 3. Cleaning the entire braking system and replacing the master cylinder cup; 4. Spraying rust remover or sanding the brake pads and brake drum. Brake lock-up refers to a situation in cars without ABS, where forcefully pressing the brake pedal while driving causes the wheel speed to drop rapidly. When the braking force exceeds the friction between the wheels and the ground, the wheels lock up. The consequences include reduced friction between the tires and the road, leading to dangerous phenomena such as skidding, fishtailing, and sudden spinning.
That day while driving, the brakes suddenly locked up, and the whole car slid forward as if being pulled by a rope, giving me a cold sweat. I immediately released the accelerator, firmly held the steering wheel with both hands to maintain direction stability, lightly tapped the accelerator to reduce brake pressure, and then slowly coasted to the roadside to stop safely. Upon inspection, I found the brake pads were stuck, and later discovered it was due to accumulated dust from lack of maintenance over time. This incident made me realize the importance of regular brake system checks, especially before the rainy season when accumulated water can easily cause brake components to fail. Now, before every trip, I take a quick look at the brake discs and fluid level to ensure safety comes first. It's not worth saving on maintenance costs—skimping can lead to bigger troubles.
As an experienced driver who has driven various vehicles, I've encountered brake lock-up several times. It's usually caused by rust from water ingress or component aging leading to sticking. When it happens, I immediately ease off the accelerator to maintain light engine operation and slowly steer to the roadside, avoiding sharp turns or sudden braking which could be more dangerous. Afterwards, it's essential to visit a repair shop for professional diagnosis of potential issues like brake calipers or hydraulic line problems. As preventive maintenance, I've developed the habit of testing brake pedal feel every 5,000 kilometers to avoid this issue.
Back when I was in driving school, I was always afraid of brake lock-up. My instructor taught me that when it happens, stay calm, don't stomp on the accelerator, and gradually reduce speed to pull over safely. The cause might be stuck brakes—beginners shouldn't panic to avoid losing control. After stopping, find a safe spot to inspect or call for help. For daily driving, remember regular brake maintenance, especially cleaning the system after rain or snow.
