What to Do When the Brakes Are Stuck After the Car Has Been Parked for a Long Time?

[LeAurora]

Frequently move forward and backward about three times. Do not repeatedly force the tires back and forth, as this may cause severe tire wear. Pour boiling water at 100°C onto the brake pads, then repeat several times. The brake pads and brake drum will expand due to heat and automatically separate. 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.

[VanCamila]

The car's brakes stuck after being parked for a long time. I've encountered this a few times, usually due to rust adhesion on the brake discs. It's recommended not to force it open immediately, as this could damage the braking system. You can gently rock the car body or try slowly moving forward and backward a few times to loosen it with inertia. If that doesn’t work, lightly tap the brake disc area with your hand or use a hot air blower to heat it (avoid using open flames) to help remove rust. If all else fails, call a tow truck or visit a repair shop to have professionals check the brake pads and lines. For prevention, drive the car around once a week or spray rust inhibitor on the brake components. Long-term parking can also cause tire deformation, so regularly moving the car is key—safety first.

[LeMaverick]

As someone who frequently travels for work, my car often sits for over a week at a time, and stuck brakes are all too common. The solution is quite simple: First, get in the car and try gently pressing the accelerator to inch forward—don’t gun it. Most of the time, the rust will break free on its own. If it’s still stuck, ask a friend to help push the car or manually rotate the tires. Just remember not to use excessive force, as that could wear out the brake pads. Afterwards, drive to a repair shop for a quick check to see if the issue stems from a humid environment. Personally, I recommend cleaning brake dust before parking or using a parking stand to reduce pressure. These small tips save hassle and money by preventing bigger issues.

[MacMichael]

I pay close attention to maintenance. When a car sits for a long time, the brakes often get stuck due to rust. Don't panic in this situation, and definitely don't force it to move, as it could lead to an accident. It's recommended to first check if there are any foreign objects on the brake discs, then try gently alternating between the brake and accelerator a few times, which usually helps. If that doesn't work, contact a professional technician for assistance—they can thoroughly clean or replace the components. Long-term parking can also affect the battery or fluids, so taking a short drive every two weeks is ideal, as it exercises the engine and prevents rust.