Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly.
Warning
The brake wear warning sound means that soon the brakes will not work well. That could lead to a crash. When the brake wear warning sound is heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque specifications. See Capacities and Specifications on page 12-2.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with new, approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes may not work properly. The braking performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts are installed or parts are improperly installed.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below
freezi ...
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 10-7 for the location of the reservoir.
The ...
Other materials:
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle performance, including its braking, ride and
handling characteristics, stability, and resistance to rollover may be affected.
If the vehicle has electronic systems such as antilock ...
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the transmission into P (Park)
properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque ...
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing refers to towing the vehicle behind another vehicle,
such as behind a motor home. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing
are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towi ...
