What to Do When the Rear Wheels Lock Up?
2 Answers
The most likely reason for the rear wheels of a car to lock up is that the handbrake was engaged during car washing, causing water to enter the rear wheels and leading to the brake pads and brake drums locking together. In this case, simply release the handbrake and then tap the sidewall of the tire a few times with a spare tire or directly to resolve the issue. Here is some information about wheel lock-up: 1. Wheel lock-up refers to the sudden locking of the wheels when braking, causing the vehicle to lose steering capability, which generally occurs in vehicles not equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes. 2. Wheel lock-up is caused by the strong braking force between the brake pads and the disc or drum. However, due to the vehicle's inertia, the car continues to move forward, with the tires sliding rather than rolling, preventing the vehicle from changing direction and potentially leading to an accident.
When the rear wheels of the vehicle lock up, I usually stay calm first, gradually reduce speed, and pull over to a safe spot. Never slam on the brakes, as it may cause loss of control or even a rollover. After stopping, I check if the tires are overheated or if there are foreign objects stuck in the brake discs—sometimes it's due to rusted or stuck brake calipers. I gently press and release the brakes to see if the wheels start rotating again. If that doesn’t work, I wait for the car to cool down before inspecting the brake system or call for a tow to a professional repair shop. I maintain my brakes regularly, changing the brake fluid and checking caliper lubrication every six months to prevent such issues. Driving in rain or snow requires extra caution, as wet roads can easily cause wheel lock-up. Adjusting driving habits, like avoiding hard braking, is also crucial.
