What to Do When Brakes Rust and Stick After a Car Has Been Parked for a Long Time?
2 Answers
Use the method of continuous braking while driving to remove rust; the rust can be worn away through multiple braking actions. In such cases, professional treatment is necessary. You need to take the car to a repair shop to have the brake discs removed, polished, and the rust thoroughly cleaned.
I've experienced the issue of rust and sticking between brake discs and pads from leaving a car parked too long without driving. Once when I returned from a three-month business trip, the front wheels were completely seized upon starting the car—it wouldn't budge at all. I immediately asked a neighbor for help, gently tapping the area around the brake disc with a hammer, being careful not to hit too hard to avoid damaging components. After about ten taps, it loosened slightly, and I slowly pushed the car to test if it straightened out. The next day, I went straight to the repair shop to have professionals clean and inspect it, ensuring no hidden issues in the brake system. For long-term parking, especially in humid environments, metal parts are prone to rust; as a preventive measure, it's best to drive the car around for about ten kilometers every week or two to let the brake friction remove moisture, or park it in a dry garage. Safety first—don't force driving when there's too much risk.
