Im a nurse and have to travel lots in the snow, after a night shift recently, car wouldnt move was just rocking back and forward, feels like the brakes have frozen on. Was wondering if anyone has any ideas of ways i can get them off, as live 25 miles away for the hospital and getting to and from work is proving very difficult. Thanks very much x

caroline, January 2010

thanks everyone for your suggestions, will see what tomorrow brings and try some bits you have suggested x

caroline, January 2010

might not be frozen - may be shoe stuck to drum [not a vauxhall by any chance?] with brake released try giving a good whack to wheel with a hammer [remove trim first] hit it on raised part just above wheel nuts ,this usually releases them PUT IN FIRST GEAR OR BETTER STILL GET SOMEONE TO SIT IN CAR TO APPLY BRAKE WHEN /IF IT RELEASES SO IT DOSENT ROLL AWAY.

k, January 2010

Just leave it for now and go back and try it when you can,it will sort it's self out soon,that is the easiest route,you could try pumping the brake pedal on and off quickly a few times while you hold the handbrake lever up,when it's free as Nigel said park in gear no handbrake just now,your only suffering from severe weather at the moment.Good luck it will warm up soon.

Rich, January 2010

Hi,
possible a siezed piston or cable could be one of many things. Only way really is to take your wheels off and have a look. Have you a jack? Lift the wheel up n a jack and try and spin the wheel, does it turn freely. If not then siezed pistons. Easy to free if you know what your doing. May b worth a trip to kwik fit or similar if you can get there

bb, January 2010

Hi Caroline, you will need a blowlamp/hot air blower to defrost the rear drums, when you next park the car leave the handbrake off and leave it in either first or reverse depending if you are on a slope, or if automatic just leave it in park

nigel, January 2010