Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: Braking

Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual / Driving and Operating / Driving Information / Braking

Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.

Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency.

Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:

Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Avoid needless heavy braking.
Keep pace with traffic.

If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Control of a Vehicle

Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving. ...

Steering

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Other materials:

Liftgate (Hatchback)
Warning Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate, hatch/trunk open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body and the hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsci ...

When Should an Airbag Inflate?
This vehicle is equipped with airbags. See Airbag System. Airbags are designed to inflate if the impact exceeds the specific airbag system's deployment threshold. Deployment thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash is likely to be in time for the airbags to inflate and help restra ...

Throttle Body Inspection and Cleaning
Note: Over extended time and mileage, deposits may accumulate on the back of the throttle valve plate. The source of the deposit is exhaust gas. Typically these deposits pose no problem. Occasionally the deposit may accumulate to a point where perceived pedal effort or throttle valve mov ...

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