How to recognise a dragging brake
Typical signs are the car pulling to one side, resisting as it moves off, increased fuel consumption or one wheel becoming much hotter after a short drive. You may notice a hot-brake smell, smoke or unusual disc discolouration. Do not touch a hot wheel or cool the brake with water.
When you should stop driving
Stop safely if there is a strong smell, smoke, severe pulling, reduced braking performance or a red brake warning. Continuing can overheat the fluid and damage the disc, pads, bearing or tyre. If in doubt, arrange recovery.
What can keep a brake applied
Possible causes include a corroded caliper piston, seized slider pins, pads stuck in the carrier, a damaged brake hose or the parking-brake mechanism. A bearing or another chassis fault can feel similar, so wheel temperature alone cannot identify the failed part.
Why cleaning the caliper may not be enough
Cleaning and correct lubrication may help if the components are otherwise sound. Corrosion on the piston working surface, damaged seals or restricted fluid return requires professional repair or replacement. The disc, pads and brake-fluid condition must also be checked after overheating.
How a workshop checks the fault
At MotPro we compare wheel rotation and brake temperatures, then inspect the caliper, pad guides, hose and parking brake. Depending on the findings, we measure disc run-out and thickness and assess the pads and fluid. We agree the repair scope and parts choice with you in advance.
What to include when booking
Tell us the make, model, year, which wheel becomes hot and after how long. Mention whether the car pulls, there is a smell, when the brakes were last replaced and whether the problem appeared after the car stood unused. If the wheel is hot or the brake is smoking, do not keep driving.
Every vehicle and fault is different. This article provides general guidance; an inspection of the specific vehicle determines the correct procedure.