Volvo V70 Owner's Manual page 153

2007 Volvo V70
reservoir.
NOTE: Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal - do not pump the brakes.
WARNING!
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the reservoir or if a "Brake failure - Service urgent"
message is displayed in the text window: DO NOT DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a Volvo
retailer and have the brake system inspected.
NOTE: When the vehicle is at a standstill and the engine is idling, e.g. at a traffic light and the brake
pedal is depressed, the pedal may go down slightly. This is a normal function of the power-assisted
brake system.
Power brakes function only when the engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Never let
the vehicle roll to a stop with the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, the brake pedal must be pressed approximately four times harder
than usual to make up for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when towing your
vehicle or if the engine is switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than
usual.
Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking
Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the
brake discs and pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid
such a delay when the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain,
slush etc. This will remove the water from the brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This
should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or cold weather.
Severe strain on the brake system
The brakes will be subject to severe strain when driving in mountains or hilly areas or towing. Vehicle
speed is usually slower, which means that the cooling of the brakes is less efficient than when driving on
level roads. To reduce the strain on the brakes, shift into a lower gear and let the engine help with the
braking. Do not forget that, if you are towing a trailer, the brakes will be subjected to a greater than
normal load.
pg. 137 Starting and driving
Brake system
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