Why Doesn't the Rear Wheel Turn After the Car Starts?

[SanCali]

There are two possible reasons: either debris is stuck between the brake pads and the brake disc, causing dragging brakes accompanied by abnormal friction noises, or the brake caliper lacks oil or is damaged, preventing separation and resulting in dragging brakes. Here is a detailed introduction to car tires: Types of Tires: Pneumatic tires are divided into two types based on their structure: tube tires and tubeless tires. Passenger cars commonly use tubeless tires. Depending on the arrangement of the internal cord layers and cushion layers, tires can also be classified into radial tires and bias-ply tires. Radial tires are widely used in vehicles. The sidewalls of tires are labeled accordingly. Functions of Tires: Tires are in direct contact with the road surface and, together with the car's suspension, help absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness. They also ensure excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road, improving traction, braking, and off-road performance. Additionally, they bear the weight of the car.

[AnnaLynn]

I once encountered a situation where the rear wheels wouldn't move after starting the car, which really startled me at the time—I thought it might be an engine issue. Actually, common problems like this are mostly related to a stuck handbrake or brake system issues. I usually start by checking the handbrake first—if it's not fully released, it might lock the rear brake discs, preventing the wheels from turning. Another key point is differential failure; if the gears inside the differential are jammed or the oil has leaked out, the wheels won't rotate, and a broken driveshaft could also cause similar issues. As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I'd recommend gently releasing the handbrake first. If the wheels still don't move, avoid forcing the car to start to prevent further damage. Safety first—pull over safely, check for obvious damage or unusual smells, and call a tow truck to a professional repair shop if necessary—they can diagnose the issue more thoroughly. In short, don't panic; most cases can be resolved by adjusting the handbrake or simple brake fixes.

[McKaylee]

As a new driver who just got my license, I once started the car and found the rear wheels weren't turning, thinking the car was broken. The instructor reminded me to check if I had forgotten to release the handbrake, and that turned out to be the case—I was too careless and didn't fully release it. But if it wasn't the handbrake, the issue might lie in the rear-wheel drive system—such as a broken half-shaft or seized bearing, which is common in older cars. I remember the instructor taught me: if the wheels don't move after starting, first turn off the engine, get out and check for any debris stuck around the tires, then try pushing the car to feel for resistance. If it doesn't move smoothly, it might be due to rusted brake calipers or a hydraulic system leak, which requires professional inspection. Fellow drivers in the car group all say regular cleaning of brake discs can prevent this. If it happens on the road, don't slam the accelerator; turn on the hazard lights and coast slowly to a safe spot to check. In short, start with the basics: release the handbrake, push the car to test resistance, then proceed step by step.

[VanLeilani]

Having studied cars for years, I believe the issue of rear wheels not moving after starting mainly falls into two categories: braking and drivetrain. On the braking side, an overly tight handbrake or seized calipers can lock the rear wheels, especially in humid conditions. Regarding the drivetrain, problems with the differential in rear-wheel-drive vehicles are most common, such as gear slippage or bearing failure, and a broken axle shaft will directly stop the wheel from turning. The check is simple: after starting the engine, gently attempt to push the car. If it doesn't move, first check the handbrake position, then sniff for any burnt smell—indicating overheated brakes. Also, remember to check the dashboard for any warning lights. These small steps can help you initially isolate the source of the problem.