Hello Prossy, the situation you have described often occurs when the rear brake components stick together after a vehicle has been parked for some time. This is particularly common after overnight parking, especially in rainy, wet, and humid weather conditions.
One of the primary causes of sticking brakes is when the brake pads or shoes bind to the discs or rear drums. During the night, especially in rainy seasons, small layers of rust can form on brake discs and drums. The brake pads may briefly adhere to the rusty surface, making the vehicle feel stuck when you start to drive away. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this issue unless you can park your car in an indoor garage.
As you drive and apply the brakes, the surface rust will wear off, and the brakes should return to normal, unrestricted, and quiet operation. Therefore, the sticking condition in this case is usually temporary and often self-resolving.
The handbrake or foot parking brake systems can also become temporarily stuck, especially in older cars. This happens when the handbrake cable, levers, or return springs fail to release properly after being engaged, particularly if they have been exposed to dirt, water, and corrosion. Regularly washing the brakes and occasionally using brake system cleaners can help reduce dirt accumulation.
In vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes, the rear brakes may drag for a few meters when you first set off. This is often due to faulty rear brake caliper systems. Occasionally, a malfunctioning caliper piston or seized guide pins can prevent the brake pads from fully retracting, causing temporary brake binding. This can lead to uneven and premature brake pad wear as well as an increase in fuel consumption.
For cars designed with rear drum brakes, worn components such as ageing return springs or a build-up of brake dust can cause the brake shoes to maintain contact with the drum even after you release the handbrake or parking brake.
You can typically tell that your car brakes are sticking if the vehicle feels reluctant to move after releasing the handbrake. This is often accompanied by a subtle snapping or popping sound. In extreme cases, you may notice a burning smell coming from the wheels after driving for a little while, especially from the rear wheels.
Sticking or binding brakes can also cause the vehicle to pull slightly to one side, particularly after rain or overnight parking. This is generally a temporary issue and should not cause alarm unless it persists. If it does continue, it is advisable to visit a garage for a brake system inspection.
When you take your car to a mechanic, they should carefully check the condition and free movement of the handbrake cable and linkage. It is also important to examine the rear brake calipers and guide pins to ensure they move freely. The mechanic should clean or lubricate these components with high-temperature grease or brake system cleaner.
Additionally, they should assess the overall condition of the brake pads and shoes, as well as other mechanical components such as brake discs, drums, return springs, and adjustment mechanisms.