Fiat 500 Owner's Handbook Manual page 72

Manual engagement/release
The ASR comes on automatically
whenever the engine is started. While
driving, the ASR can be turned off
and then on again by pressing
the button A fig. 50 (ASR OFF). When
the system is not active, the LED on the
same button turns on and, on some
versions, a message appears on the
display.
If the ASR is disengaged during driving,
this is automatically reactivated at the
following car starting.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
50
66) 67) 68) 69) 70) 71)
70
HBA (Hydraulic Brake
Assist) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
The HBA system is designed to
improve the car's braking capacity
during emergency braking.
The system detects an emergency
braking by monitoring the speed and
strength with which the brake pedal
is pressed, thereby applying the optimal
brake pressure. This can reduce the
braking distance: the HBA system
therefore completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance of the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly; in addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to obtain benefits
from the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
72) 73) 74) 75) 76)
F0S0518
WARNING
49) When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake
in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
50) To obtain the maximum efficiency of
the braking system, a bedding-in period of
about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and
prolonged braking.
51) If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is about to reach its limit. You
must slow down to a speed compatible
with the available traction.
52) The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
53) The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those due to excessive speed on
corners, driving on low-grip surfaces or
aquaplaning.
54) The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
55) For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.