If you hit your brakes and they lock up as you come to a stop, it can create a potentially unsafe situation. We're here to help Wakefield, Reading, and Danvers MA drivers understand why.
What causes brakes to lock up? What can be done if they lock up? The team at Ira Subaru answers those important questions to help you become a well-versed brake expert. Continue reading to learn more or skip to scheduling service right here on our website.
Why Brakes Lock Up
Your car either has drum or disc brakes. They're a little bit different, but both types of brakes have the same end goal-to stop your car. There are also other types of brakes that serve as reinforcements for the regular brakes. These backup brakes are the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the emergency brake.
The ABS is supposed to prevent your brakes from locking. The system operates through a computer in your vehicle to send messages when it senses unusual wheel decelerations. The computer reduces pressure on the wheel so the brakes will stop the vehicle. Brakes can lock up if your ABS system is faulty.
Other causes of brake lockup may be:
- Overheated braking system
- Incorrect brake fluid
- Damaged or broken calipers, rotors, or drum brake backing plates
- Worn caliper pistons or brake wheel cylinders
What to Do If Your Brakes Lock Up
If your brakes lock up after you've pressed on them, you may wonder what you can do.
- Â Be sure to remain calm, turn on your hazard lights, and try to find a safe place along the road to stop. If possible, honk your horn to let other drivers know that your brakes may have locked up.
- Start looking for a safe place where you can pull over.
- Â Don't turn off the car until you've come to a complete stop. If your speed is under 40 MPH, try to activate the parking brake to help bring the car to a full stop.
- Â Be sure to call our service center for assistance.
Repairing Your Brakes
If your vehicle has locked up when you press on the brakes, our service technicians will determine what has caused the issue. There could be a problem with the master cylinder. When you push down on the brake pedal, the fluid pressure should be able to get to the brake pads or drum shoes. If the master cylinder valves and seals are not properly in place, the brakes may lock up.
It's also possible that the brake fluid in your car may be low. Brake fluid can be checked during a service visit, and we'll replace the fluid if needed.
Schedule Brake Repair With Ira Subaru
We hope that your brakes never lock up while you're driving. However, if your vehicle's brakes lock up while traveling in Wakefield, Reading, and Danvers, contact us here at Ira Subaru.
Our service technicians will provide brake repair, including any necessary comprehensive fixes for the ABS system. If you have any questions for us, reach out to our service team today.
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