What to Do When the Rear Wheel Brakes Lock Up?
2 Answers
Force-start the vehicle and rev the engine aggressively until the rear wheels begin to rotate; alternatively, remove the tire and gently tap the brake drum with a hammer or similar tool to loosen the brake drum and brake pads. Below is relevant information about brake lock-up: 1. Causes: Brake lock-up typically occurs after rain or car washing when the vehicle is parked for an extended period (usually around a day). Rust can form between the inner surface of the rear brake drum and the brake pads, causing them to seize. 2. Prevention Methods: To prevent brake lock-up, after water enters the brake drum, avoid parking immediately. Drive for a while and apply the brakes frequently to allow the moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, when parking, do not engage the handbrake. For manual transmission vehicles, leave the car in 1st gear, and for automatic transmission vehicles, leave it in P (Park) gear to prevent the vehicle from rolling. This way, the brake drum and brake pads will not be in contact, preventing rust-induced seizure.
When I found that the rear brakes were locked, the first thing was to stay calm and not panic, because the wheels would skid, causing the car to fishtail or lose control. I experienced it myself once on a wet road—when the brakes locked, I immediately released the brake pedal and then tried gently tapping the brakes a couple of times to see if they would release. If that didn’t work, I steadied the steering wheel and slowly pulled over to the side. After stopping, I checked the tires for signs of locking, then inspected the brake fluid level and possible leaks. Sometimes, it’s due to worn-out brake pads or a pebble stuck in them. This issue is common, especially in older cars, and a faulty ABS system can also be the cause. I believe prevention is key—getting a brake inspection every six months, such as changing the brake fluid and cleaning the brake discs, is important. Remember, if this happens on the road, turn on the hazard lights immediately and pull over safely. Don’t force the car to keep moving—take it to a repair shop to avoid worse damage. Safety comes first; don’t take risks to save money.
