Down to -12 in my neck of the woods last night. Set off for work this morning and found the handbrake was very loose when I'd taken it off meaning that I could lift it three or four inches before the ratchet mechanism clicked. Got to the top of my road and dropped the clutch to drop down to 1st to find the car stopping rather than coasting to the junction so I deduced that the rear brakes were stuck on.

A slow drive for a few yards improved things but still the handbrake play was there and there was a smell of hot brakes. About 1/2 a mile up the road I stopped the car and tested the rear discs for binding... with my finger. One badly burnt finger later and it's my near-side rear pad that's binding. I turned round and drove home.

I had a short drive again around noon (still -4 degC) and it's still binding. Flicking water at the offside rear disc just leaves the disc wet. Water on the nearside just turns instantly to steam.

So, any suggestions on loosening the brake? I suspect it's the handbrake cable that's jammed thus keeping the pad in contact with the disc. Anything that avoids taking the wheel off or laying on the ground would be great

frozen by the sounds of it and binding.

In this sort of weather I always leave the handbrake off. Leave it in gear and if on a hill, turn the wheels to the kerb.

Got taught that 20 years ago as a postman. Never had frozen brakes since.

Thanks for that. Left it all day and overnight without the handbrake on (in gear with the wheels chocked) and all working fine this morning. Got to work ok and tried the water test again with no resultant steam