How to Get Brakes Unstuck After Long Parking

If your car’s been sitting for weeks or months, you might face a common and annoying issue, brakes stuck after long parking. You hop in, turn the key, and realize something’s wrong. The car won’t budge, or maybe you hear a grinding sound from the wheels. Sounds like it’s time to figure out how to get brakes unstuck safely.

This usually happens when the brake pads bond to the rotor, often due to brake rust or moisture build-up. It can affect all types of vehicles, especially those parked in damp or cold areas. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and most of the time, you can fix this yourself without calling a mechanic. In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy, step-by-step methods to free seized brakes, get you rolling again, and even prevent it from happening in the future.

Let’s dig in.

1. Start by Rocking the Car Gently

One of the simplest methods to release stuck brakes is by gently rocking the car back and forth. This small movement can help break loose any light corrosion that’s formed between the pad and the rotor.

• Start the car and keep your foot on the brake.
• Shift from Drive to Reverse slowly and gently.
• Let the car move just a little in each direction.
• Repeat a few times to “pop” the brake free.

This works best when the brakes are only lightly stuck due to surface rust. Avoid aggressive jerking, especially if you’re on a slope.

2. Apply and Release the Brakes Repeatedly

Another trick is to pump the brakes. By repeatedly pressing and releasing, you can build up enough pressure to help dislodge whatever’s holding the brakes.

• Keep the engine running for better brake pressure.
• Press the brake pedal all the way down, then release it.
• Do this 10–15 times.

If you’re dealing with a parking brake stuck, you might also need someone to help:

• While you press the brake pedal, have a helper pull the parking brake handle up and down.
• This back-and-forth motion often helps get brakes unstuck manually.

3. Use Penetrating Spray on Brake Components

If the parking brake mechanism is stuck due to rust, a little lubrication can go a long way.

• Use penetrating oil like WD-40 or PB Blaster.
• Locate the parking brake lever (typically near the rear wheels or underneath the car).
• Spray the area generously, especially on the lever pivot point and mechanism.
• Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Then, using a flathead screwdriver, gently rock the lever arm back and forth to loosen it.

This is especially helpful if your brake cable is frozen or seized due to lack of use.

4. Manually Release the Parking Brake Cable

If the above tricks don’t work, it’s time to get your hands a little dirty—literally. Underneath the car, the parking brake cable is often visible and accessible.

• Safely jack up the car and use wheel chocks for support.
• Locate the brake cable under the vehicle (usually near the rear wheels).
• Gently pull and release it by hand, or tap it with a rubber mallet.
• Try to feel for movement—any slight looseness can help unstick the brakes.

Be careful not to damage the cable. If it’s old and rusted, it may need to be replaced in the long term.

5. Loosen the Rear Drum Brake Adjusters (If Equipped)

Some cars, especially older models or trucks, use drum brakes for the rear parking system. These can get jammed if the internal shoes corrode or stick to the drum.

• Look for a small access hole on the brake backing plate.
• Use a brake spoon or flathead screwdriver to turn the adjuster wheel.
• Back off the tension to give the shoes some space and release the locked brakes.

If this is unfamiliar territory, don’t force it—this step may require mechanical experience or a quick visit to a repair shop.

6. Drive Gently to Break Off Light Rust

Once the brakes seem to be slightly freed, take a short and slow test drive. Light surface rust will usually wear off after a few gentle stops.

• Drive slowly and avoid traffic.
• Brake gradually a few times to see if the issue clears up.
• If you still hear grinding or feel resistance, stop and recheck.

Sometimes, driving is enough to knock off minor rust and get things working again. But if there’s deeper corrosion, professional help may be needed.

7. Know When to Stop and Get Help

It’s important to know your limits. If you’ve tried everything and your brakes are still locked—or worse, you smell burning or hear strange noises—it’s time to call in a pro.

CMA Honda of Winchester suggests avoiding DIY brake fixes if you’re not familiar with the components or if the car has been sitting for more than a few months. Freeing seized brakes might sound simple, but if you push too hard, you can damage your brake system or even compromise your safety.

8. Why Do Brakes Get Stuck in the First Place?

Understanding the “why” helps prevent the problem in the future.

• Moisture causes brake rust, especially if parked on grass, dirt, or in high humidity.
• Leaving the parking brake engaged for weeks can lock up the system.
• Old brake components like cables and levers can seize over time.

Try to park on hard surfaces and release the parking brake if you’re not using the car for a while (unless it’s on a slope).

9. How to Prevent Stuck Brakes in the Future

Nobody wants to deal with this twice. Here are a few quick tips:

• Don’t leave the parking brake on during long-term storage.
• Move the car every week or so, even just a few feet.
• Spray brake parts with anti-rust sprays if you live in a humid or coastal area.
• Store your vehicle in a dry, covered spot when possible.