Brakes on fire

[legalseagull]

Are there any mechanics here that can shed a bit of light? My car is at the garage, but I am concerned they're going to try to fob me off / lie to cover their backs.

Last week I was driving when my car suddenly felt like it was braking. I pulled over to see smoke coming out of my front drivers side wheel arch. Calipers burnt out. All other wheels fine.

Recovery tow truck comes and tows me about 10 miles when suddenly the rear passenger side wheel arch goes up in flames.

The garage have taken the car as the second wheel was whilst it was being towed by their vehicle.

Why would this happen? Is there likely to be a larger problem with my brakes as individual wheels are seizing? Or, should it never have been towed in the first place and should have gone on a flat bed? Could they have left the handbrake on as they towed it?!

thanks

Your initial issue sounds like a seized caliper which is quite a common issue. The second issue rather complicates matters, it could be as you say that they towed it with the handbrake on. Otherwise the only thing that can cause an issue on two brakes simultaneously would be some kind of ABS module fault, either electronic or hydraulic. Very odd.

That was my worry - that it could be a much wider issue with the ABS. Fingers crossed it doesn’t bankrupt us!