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Why do my brakes lock up while driving?

I have a Honda Civic, and it’s been a reliable vehicle until recently. Now when I stop, the brakes lock up. It doesn’t happen every time, but it’s enough to make me scared. Why would my brakes lock up while I’m driving?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A
Honda Civic
is a great car if properly maintained. So if your brakes are locking up while driving, it could be the result of several scenarios, including:
  • Using the wrong brake fluid
  • Improper bleeding of the brakes
  • A broken parking brake or emergency brake
  • Defective antilock brake (ABS) components
  • Worn brake pads
  • Cracked brake discs
  • Damaged calipers
  • Applying the brakes too firmly
Because locking brakes are difficult to diagnose, take your car to a mechanic to find out what’s wrong. It’s a much better option than waiting for something worse to happen, and you can get the problem solved immediately.
If the issue happens again in the meantime, pump the brakes. This should allow you to avoid locking brakes and return control to the vehicle.
While your brakes shouldn’t lock up, you shouldn’t lock in a car insurance rate without shopping around with the
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