Sticking Brakes

[ALE 111s]

I know why the brakes stick when left for a period of time but does anyone have suggestions to prevent it (other than leaving the handbrake off) ?

It's normally ok if I drive it after I've washed it however recently the brakes have been really sticking, presume it's due to damp etc.

Thanks

[TonyHetherington]

Yep, I normally park the car with the handbrake off, in gear, and just with a bit of wood to make sure it doesn't roll anywhere.

As you say, if you wash it and put it away then the brakes WILL stick, but particularly moist atmosphere will do that too.

It's not a problem as such, i.e. it won't really cause damage, just be sure to use the brakes before you come to a junction for the first time to clear all the crud from them.

As for preventing it? It's difficult really - you just have to be aware that it happens.

[NeilC]

Last Christmas I left the handbrake on for a couple of weeks and when I pulled off the pad material came off the backing plate and stuck to the disc.
I'd leave it in gear with a note on the dash to remind anyone who tries to move it.

[ALE 111s]

Thanks, I'm just a little wary of leaving it on my drive without the handbrake on, don't want the local kids pushing it down the road !!!

Excuse my ignorance but am I correct that if I leave it in reverse then it can't be pushed forward very far ?

[TonyHetherington]

Correct, and also reverse is the shortest gear (even more so than first) which will make it even more difficult to push anyway.

If the drive has a decent slope I'd suggest a wheel chock (proper one from halfords will be a fiver) and leave it in gear, no handbrake