5 Things You Should Know About Your Parking Brake

Have you ever looked around the interior of your car, particularly the immediate vicinity of the driver's seat, and wondered what everything does? Many drivers are inquisitive but many drivers also don't know what everything in their car does. One piece of equipment in your car (that you may have mistaken for a prop in Tokyo Drift) that you may or may not use is the parking brake (also called the e-brake). If you want to know more about this part, follow along with us at Toyota of Orlando!

What to Know About Your Car's Parking Brake

1) The E-Brake Can Be Either a Handle or Pedal

In most cases you've probably seen an Orlando parking brake as a handle that sits close to your driver's seat. While this is the prime place for it if you plan on drifting (DON'T unless you're a seasoned professional), it can also be a pedal close to where your left foot sits. The handle brake works by pulling it until it clicks into place and is deactivated by pushing the button on the end and depressing the handle. The foot pedal parking brake is activated by depressing the pedal until it clicks and then deactivated by pulling a switch until it resets the pedal. 

2) You Shouldn't Drive with the Parking Brake Engaged

While you may be tempted to try drifting (DON'T), driving with your Orlando parking brake activated can carry serious consequences for your car's brake system. Your brake pads will wear down faster and rising temperatures can cause rapid deterioration of your brake lines. 

3) Your E-Brake Needs to be Maintained

Like all things on your Orlando Toyota car, your parking brake needs routine maintenance by an auto service expert for it to continue working. During your next auto service with Toyota of Orlando, be sure to ask it be checked. 

4) Engage Your Parking Brake Before Putting Your Car in Park

Most of us engage the Orlando parking brake after putting our car in brake. The slight rock you experience is your car putting weight on the transmission which can cause damage over time. Instead, try engaging the parking brake before putting your car into park and then shift it into park. 

5) Your E-Brake Will Need to be Adjusted

Just like your rotors and brake pads need to be periodically replaced, your parking brake needs to be inspected and maintained. Corrosion can accumulate on this part and it needs to be removed from time to time. 

Have more questions about your parking brake or need brake maintenance? Visit our auto service center at Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week!