What to Do When the Brakes Are Stuck?

[EvanFitz]

Solutions for stuck brakes: 1. Force start the car and rev the accelerator hard until the rear wheels start turning; 2. Remove the tire and gently tap the brake drum with a hammer or similar tool a couple of times to loosen the contact surface between the brake drum and the brake pads. If the brakes get stuck while driving an automatic transmission car, downshift while using the handbrake. When pulling the handbrake, press the release button and continuously pull the handbrake. After pulling it up, press the electronic handbrake and slowly bring the car to a stop. After rain or washing the car, if the brake drum gets wet and the car is parked for more than a day, the inner part of the brake drum and the surface of the brake pads can rust and seize, causing the brake pads to lock up. In such cases, the owner should not stop immediately but drive for a while and press the brakes a few more times to allow the moisture to evaporate, preventing rust.

[McRyan]

I enjoy going on road trips in my car and have encountered brake sticking issues. During rainy summers or icy winters, the calipers are prone to rusting and getting stuck, causing wheel drag and increased fuel consumption. When this happens, I immediately release the accelerator, gently tap the brakes to try and release them, while turning on the hazard lights and slowly pulling over to the side. I then check if the wheel hubs are heating evenly; this problem commonly occurs after long periods of parking or in damp environments. To prevent it, I regularly wash my car to clean the wheel hubs, replace the antifreeze brake fluid, and check the caliper lubrication myself every month. Safety comes first—if the brakes won’t release, call a tow truck immediately instead of forcing it and risking damage to the car or injury to people. I share this with fellow car enthusiasts, as attention to detail in maintenance can save a lot of trouble.

[VonEverly]

I drive to work for my daily commute, and last week the brakes suddenly got stuck, which scared me to death. The reason was accumulated dust in the caliper that jammed it, because I didn't clean it in time after driving in the rain. I quickly steadied the steering wheel, slowed down, and pulled over to a safe area, avoiding sudden acceleration to prevent losing control. After stopping, I checked if the brake fluid had changed color or had bubbles, as this could jam the system. Usually, I recommend frequently brushing the wheels and using a wet cloth to clean off dust; get a professional brake inspection every six months. For winter driving, be aware that low temperatures can cause fluids to freeze, so keep emergency brake tools handy. Remember, safe driving comes first—address any issues immediately if detected.

[VanPaul]

I've seen many cases of brake sticking in the workshop. Most are caused by calipers jamming pistons or foreign objects blocking. When driving, you should slow down gradually and park safely in an open area. Gently tapping the caliper by hand can sometimes loosen it a bit. Check if the brake fluid level is normal, as a low level can cause the piston not to retract. For daily maintenance, regularly clean the system and keep components lubricated; avoid aggressive driving that can cause overheating. Simple dust removal can reduce problems.

[FrankLee]

I drive an electric car mainly for environmental reasons, and I've also experienced stuck brakes. It could be due to electronic system misjudgment or corrosion of traditional components. When feeling drag, quickly decelerate, pull over safely, and turn off the engine. Don't rush to restart before checking to prevent damage. Key points include checking for software updates in modern cars' smart braking systems; it's recommended to get a comprehensive inspection at the shop every quarter and use higher-quality brake fluid for antifreeze. Develop safe driving habits, and in rainy weather, take more short trips to dry the wheel hubs and prevent sticking.