What to Do When Car Tires Lock Up?
2 Answers
To solve the problem of car tires locking up, install ABS. Cars equipped with ABS continuously monitor the speed of each wheel or drive shaft through speed sensors installed on them during emergencies. The vehicle's computer calculates the wheel slip rate and the required braking force at that moment, making decisions on braking pressure to ensure the tires do not lock up. Tires are often used under complex and harsh conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures while driving. Therefore, they must have high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance, as well as high wear resistance and flex resistance, along with low rolling resistance and heat generation.
I've got hands-on experience with wheel lock-up. Last year, while driving a manual transmission car on a mountain road, I slammed the brakes too hard during a sharp turn, and the steering wheel suddenly jerked violently like it was rusted stuck. Now I've learned my lesson—when in trouble, I immediately pump the brake pedal rapidly, like tapping Morse code, to get the wheels rolling again. If the rear wheels lock up and the tail starts sliding (what we car enthusiasts call drifting), you've got to counter-steer to save it. Remember, don't fight the steering wheel; if the front wheels lock up, ease off the brakes and adjust your steering. Once, I successfully saved a skid on snow, only to realize later it's called engine braking—my back was drenched in cold sweat. If you ever lose control due to lock-up, in an open area, it's better to hit a snowbank than crash into a guardrail.
