What to Do When the Wheels Won't Move After the Car Has Been Parked for a Long Time?

[LaElena]

Release the parking brake (handbrake), use the tire removal wrench that comes with the car on any of the bolts of the stuck wheel, and twist forcefully. If the situation is too severe and the above method cannot free the stuck wheel, professional technical personnel will need to dismantle, handle, and replace the new brake pads or brake discs.

[JuliannaMarie]

I've seen this situation many times where wheels get stuck after sitting idle for too long, mainly due to rust buildup on brake discs or drum brakes causing tire adhesion. In humid conditions, rust can clump up and lock the wheel hub in place. When addressing this, don't rush to start the engine—first try gently rocking the car back and forth by hand on level ground to see if it loosens the rust. Also, check if the tire pressure is low; if the tire is flat, inflating it might immediately solve the problem. If the car won't budge, avoid forcing it to move, as this could further damage the brake pads or suspension system. The safest approach in such cases is to visit a professional repair shop, where they can use tools to clean off the rust or check if the bearings have aged. For prevention, I recommend moving the car at least a few times each month when it's not in use for extended periods and avoiding parking in damp areas.