Why Car Wheels Won't Turn and How to Fix It
3 Answers
This phenomenon may occur during rainy days, after car washing, or when the vehicle has been parked for an extended period. Simply kick the sidewall of the tire a few times to resolve the issue. It could also be caused by rusted rear brake discs and pads sticking together. In this case, gently tap the brake assembly with a wooden stick to free them.
I once experienced my car tires suddenly locking up while on a beach vacation. At first, I thought something was stuck, but it turned out the brake pads had rusted and seized after prolonged parking. This is quite common, especially in humid environments or after long winter parking when rust worsens. I tried gently rocking the car back and forth—sometimes that loosens them—but if not, a trip to the repair shop for rust cleaning or new brake pads is needed. Remember, don’t force it; dragging can damage tires and bearings, leading to costlier repairs. For prevention, always dry the brake area after washing, apply anti-rust spray regularly, and make it a habit—it’s much safer. In short, early checks save money and hassle; don’t let small issues escalate.
As someone who frequently works on cars, I think a tire not turning could be due to foreign objects stuck in it or the brakes being rusted shut. If you notice an issue, first use a jack to lift the car and check if the tire rotates freely. Look for small stones or metal shavings stuck in the gaps; if found, simply clean them out. In case of rust, spray some lubricant and gently tap the brake drum to loosen it. Always ensure the car is securely parked and wear gloves for safety. Fixing it yourself can save hundreds in repair costs—I did this last time and it worked fine. To prevent this, avoid parking in muddy or waterlogged areas, and dry the brakes when washing the car. Prevention is much easier than repair.
