What happens when all wheels lock up during braking?

When all wheels lock up during braking, one of the main consequences is a loss of steering control. This occurs because when the wheels are locked, they no longer rotate, which means the vehicle cannot respond to steering inputs. The driver loses the ability to steer the vehicle effectively, making it difficult to navigate around obstacles or maintain control of the vehicle's trajectory.

Locking of the wheels often leads to a situation known as "skidding," where the vehicle slides rather than rolls forward. This loss of traction prevents the tires from gripping the road, significantly impairing steering capabilities. It is crucial for drivers to understand this effect of wheel lock-up, as it underscores the importance of modulating brake pressure and using techniques such as threshold braking or pumping the brakes, thereby maintaining better control even in emergency braking situations.