We often take the brake function for granted and fail to remember that brake-related issues do happen from time to time. When your vehicle suddenly has the brakes lock up, it can put you in a precarious position.
Here’s what to know about what causes brakes to lock up as you drive, what to do when that happens, and how to fix it and prevent it from happening again.
What Does it Mean When Your Brakes “Lock Up”?
Brake lock-up is a straightforward situation in which a vehicle’s brakes are applied but do not disengage as expected.
In any instance, this is a serious situation, but especially dangerous when it involves driving. In the most serious case, an accident may occur as an unfortunate result of brake lock-up.
Brake lock-up should not be mistaken for actual wheel lock-up.
Brake lock-up can happen when a vehicle’s brakes do not disengage (don’t return to the rest position) after a pedal application.
What Causes Brakes to Lock Up While Driving?
Although brake lock-up in the modern era, with ABS brakes, is not as common as it used to be, these situations still occasionally arise.
In almost all of these cases, the problem can be traced back to brake system components that have been removed or severely compromised.
Below are the most common reasons why a vehicle’s brakes may lock up while driving.
- Use of the incorrect brake fluid
- Overheating of brake system components
- Damaged or worn brake calipers, pads, and rotors
- Damaged or worn brake drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders
- Accidental activation of the emergency brake
- Stuck brake caliper/wheel cylinder
What To Do When Your Brakes Lock Up While Driving
The problem of brake lock-up while driving can be scary, but follow these steps to manage the situation effectively.
#1. Don’t Panic.
The first thing to remember about brake lock-up is don’t panic.
I agree this is easier said than done, but a driver’s responsibility is to do everything reasonable to help protect their passengers and the other drivers around them.
When you panic, you are hindering your ability to think about the next steps.
#2. Find a Safe Place to Stop.
Your next task will be to find a safe place to come to a stop, look around quickly to see what is available.
Anything with enough space and away from traffic will work: a parking lot, a wide driveway, or even an empty shoulder.
#3. Exit the road carefully.
When you think you know where you are going to come to a stop, exit the roadway as carefully as you can.
Though this will be difficult to consider in the moment, note how much traffic surrounds you.
If you need to merge across lanes, then indicate if possible. Poor decisions here can only result in worse consequences.
#4. Stop and set the emergency brake if necessary.
After making it off the roadway and safely stopping your vehicle, you will want to set your emergency brake if needed.
If your vehicle is pulling left or right, the unexpected benefit of a vehicle with the e-brake set is that it will create a barrier of stabilization.
Just remember, setting a vehicle’s emergency brake at a high rate of speed presents its hazards.
#5. Get the vehicle towed to a repair facility.
Under no circumstances should any vehicle be driven at any time after experiencing brake lock-up until it has been properly repaired.
If you have just the vehicle a few blocks away, it is best to get the vehicle towed there, instead of using the garage or shop as a solution.
How to Fix Locked Up Brakes?
After experiencing a brake lock-up situation, it is important to assess what caused the failure in the first place. Most of the time, this will come down to a visual inspection.
An inspection of front and rear brakes should be conducted for abnormal wear or damaged parts, and any available repairs should be made before returning the vehicle to service.
Often, the offending brake assembly may be easily identifiable by the burnt smell, an excessive amount of brake dust, or the blueing of the associated brake rotor or drum.
If these visual signs are present, then all brake components at that wheel end should be replaced.
One corner can also consider replacing the same components at the opposite wheel end of that same axle, or at the very least, pads of a single axle should be replaced in pairs.
In some extreme cases, an over-temperature condition from brakes locking up can damage a concerned wheel end’s wheel bearing, in which case it also needs to be replaced.
Once all repairs have been made, the most advisable procedure is an initial brake test in an isolated area such as a parking lot, driveway, etc.
If nothing appears unreasonable, proceed with a test drive on a nearby road surface. If you observe problems during your test drive, you will want to stop and evaluate.
If you are unsure of any aspect of the brake repair following the occurrence of a lock-up, consider professional advice. There is nothing wrong with a second opinion or pursuing professional repair.
After all, you are literally relying on the function of your brakes.