Q: Over heated car brakes locking up

asked by on May 14, 2016

Car was making a squealing sound and had a smell I seen it was over heated pulled over white smoke coming from underneath and leaking underneath on passenger side. Let it cool down tried driving again got to 30mph and brakes locked up every light came on dash. Mechanic replaced bent valves water pump an fan or timing belt. I have car home now but need to understand why the brakes locked up like that?

My car has 125000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Convertible top doesn't work
Hello. If these both stopped working at the same time then you may have a bad connection. I have had the top on this vehicle end up causing some broken wiring due to contact with the harness. I typically have...
Car idles rough when in gear
Hello. If the idle is that low, then it can be caused by a number of things. Most of the time it is caused by a vacuum leak or a dirty throttle body. The throttle body being the most common....
Heater malfunction
Hello. There are several possible components that could be causing the problem you are having with your heat. If the thermostat is sticking (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) intermittently or if the heater control regulator opens and closes when it isn’t supposed to, it...
Water pump replacement
Yes. I would replace the tensioner at the same time since the only addition would be parts and there would be minimal labor added since you are already removing the water pump. The tensioner is most likely just as worn...
When driving uphill the vehicle looses most of power,only goes 25 miles per hour,then shakes when restarting
Lack of power and shaking can be caused by a number of components. Misfiring can reduce power and cause shakes. Misfires can be ignition related like from bad spark plugs or ignition coils. Also from sensors such as the crankshaft...
My Small SUV is squealing while I'm slowing down and I'm not pressing on the brakes.
Hi there. The noise could be the brakes indicator rubbing on the rotors on the front of your vehicle. This is the reminder to have the brakes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/squealing-noise-from-brakes-inspection) replaced. If the brakes are new or have lots of friction material...
Catalyst system Efficiency - P0420 - 2010 Ford Fusion.
Hello and thank you for contacting Your Mechanic. For the code P0420 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0420-obd-ii-trouble-code-catalyst-system-efficiency-below-threshold-bank-1-by-jamahl-walker) to come on, there could be a lot of issues that could arise to a non functioning catalytic converter. Before you decide to replace the catalytic converter,...
Check Engine Light is on. Codes are Bank 1 Sensor 1 Low-voltage, and Bank 2 Sensor 1 Low-voltage. . .
Hi there. What seems to be the issue is the fuel pump is not plugged in. The Oxygen Sensors are working and telling you that the system is too lean with having a low voltage reading. If it was just...
The clutch went out and clutch fluid leaking out.
Check the slave cylinder under the vehicle and see if the seal blew out. Fill up the clutch master cylinder if its low and pump the clutch pedal a couple of times and then look for the leak. Pull back...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Hyundai Genesis
The The 2012 Hyundai Genesis is a midsize luxury sedan that is both powerful and well equipped with lots of standard features. It has an elegant look with the choice between V6 or two V8 engines. This four door sedan...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for College Students
You’ve You’ve done it – high school is officially behind you. Now it’s time to head off to a brand new world. College is that and more and you may need a car during your pursuit of a higher education....
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re Over Six Feet Tall
While While shorter than average drivers can have a tough time finding the right car, it’s equally hard for taller drivers, perhaps more so. If you’re feeling squished, or have to hunch over the wheel to drive, then you’re not...