Do you use your car parking brake often? If you live in hilly or mountainous terrain, it's probably a part of your daily routine. For those of us who live in the relatively flat area of central Florida, on the other hand, we may not use it for years at a time. However, whether you put it to use regularly or just once in a while it's helpful to know how your parking brake works and what you need to do to maintain it. Toyota of Clermont is here to help!
4 things you should know about your car parking brake
1. There are a few different types of parking brakes.
There are multiple types of car parking brakes available on our Clermont Toyotas, and we're here to give you the basics on each.
- Foot: This parking brake is engaged by pushing down on a pedal near your accelerator and brake pedal but on the left side (so you use your left foot to engage it). You release the brake by pushing down firmly on it until it pops back up.
- Hand: Some cars have a hand parking brake, which is located on the center console near your gear shifter. You engage this type of brake by pulling it up with your right hand and release it by pushing in the button on the end and pushing it back down.
- Button: Some vehicles like the Clermont Toyota Prius have a parking brake that's activated with the push of a button on the dash.
2. You should never drive with the parking brake engaged.
You should never drive your Clermont Toyota with the parking brake on. Not only can it cause excessive friction and wear down your brake pads, but it can also cause excessive heat that can do costly damage to your entire braking system. You should be able to tell that it's on by the resistance you feel when you hit the gas, but always check to be sure that it's disengaged before you hit the road.
3. You should put your parking brake into action before you park.
Some people think you should find your spot, put your car into park, and then engage the parking brake... but this is actually wrong! Doing this causes the car to roll back slightly, which puts a strain on your car's transmission. Instead, bring your car to a stop, put your parking brake on, and THEN shift your car into park.
4. Just like any part, your car parking brake needs to be maintained and serviced.
Any part on your car - including your car parking brake - needs to be serviced and maintained carefully. This is especially true if you don't use the brake much or if your car sits idle a lot. Call Toyota of Clermont to see how we can help get your parking brake working in top notch condition again.
Let Toyota of Clermont's service center help
Have questions or need maintenance for your car parking brake? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7001 or stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.
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