Have you ever used the parking brake in your N Charlotte Toyota? Some drivers aren’t even familiar where this part is, much less what they should be using it for. Our N Charlotte auto service center is here to explain to you exactly what a parking brake is, how it functions, and where it usually is in your vehicle! Let’s get started!
What is a parking brake?
First things first – what is a parking brake? This is a brake separate from the foot brake that you use to slow and stop your N Charlotte Toyota. It’s usually located in the center console area of your vehicle (near the gear shift – it’s a lever you’ll pull up), or near the floor on the left side of the driver’s footwell (in which case it’s a pedal you push with your foot).
Next, why is it important? The parking brake in your new Toyota near Charlotte is important because it lends you another way to keep your car in one place. You should never utilize this part while in motion (it can cause you to slide out), but instead pull it once your car is parked and you’re ready to cut the ignition and climb out. In a manual transmission N Charlotte Toyota, this is the part that keeps your car from rolling away! In an automatic transmission, the parking brake is just added holding power, especially if you’re parked on a hill.
How does the parking brake work? It has a ratcheting system – basically, this is a system that only moves one way and prevents motion in the other direction. That’s how it prevents your N Charlotte Toyota car from rolling when you engage it! As soon as you pull or push the parking brake into motion, it can’t be released until you physically do so yourself.
Why is this N Charlotte Toyota part so important?
Just like any other part in your new Toyota near Charlotte, you have to maintain your parking brake with routine auto service. It faces wear and tear and can corrode due to exposure to the elements, like water, salt, and piece of road debris picked up when you drive. Here are some signs you may need to schedule N Charlotte auto service for your parking brake:
- It won’t release when you manually try to release it and instead, stays engaged
- It doesn’t hold when you engage it and you can feel your car rolling
If you’re having problems with how this part is functioning in your new Toyota, you should definitely bring it in to have it checked. After all, it’s a safety feature that is important to maintain and replace if necessary!
Have questions about this part or want to schedule auto service near Charlotte to have it inspected or serviced? Give us a call today at (888) 378-1214. We’re just off I-77 at exit 23!
