What to Do When the Wheel is Locked?
2 Answers
Solutions for a locked wheel: 1. Long-term parking: If the parking brake is applied when there is water in the brake drum after washing the car or rain, the wheel may lock up after prolonged parking. You can use the vehicle's power to move the tire; 2. Stuck brake master cylinder cup that does not return: The solution is to clean the entire brake system and replace the brake master cylinder cup; 3. Brake caliper not returning: This can be fixed by sanding and applying grease. If the caliper itself is faulty, it may need to be replaced; 4. Brake pads frozen due to ice: Use hot water to melt the ice or gently tap the brake drum with a blunt object like a hammer; 5. Overheating from prolonged braking causing the brake pads to not separate: Depending on the situation, the brake pads may need to be sanded or replaced.
I just had this happen to me last week—suddenly found my wheel clamped, which was incredibly frustrating. I was driving downtown, circling around for parking, and ended up stopping in a no-parking zone without noticing the roadside signs. When I returned half an hour later, my wheel was locked. Don’t panic—I took out my phone and snapped a photo to check the type of clamp. It was a common wheel clamp used by parking management companies, with a small label displaying a contact number. I immediately called, explained the situation, and after confirming it was due to illegal parking, they sent someone to collect the fee and unlock it. I recommend carrying some spare change or installing a parking app for easy payment. If there’s no contact info, call 110 for help—the police will assist. Remember, don’t try to pry it open yourself, as you might damage the wheel rim or face even heavier fines. Always pay attention to parking rules, especially in unfamiliar areas—double-check the signs. Safety first, and staying calm will help you resolve it smoothly.
