Brake System - Volvo C70 Owner's Manual

Brake system

Brake servo
If the car is rolling or is being towed with the
engine turned off, the brake pedal must be
pressed about five times harder than when
the engine is running. If the brake pedal is
pressed when the engine is started, you will
feel the pedal drop. This is normal and due to
the brake servo becoming active. This may be
more noticeable as the car has emergency
brake assistance (EBA).
NOTE! If braking with the engine switched
off, press the brake pedal sharply once, not
repeatedly.
WARNING!
The brake servo only works when the
engine is running.
Brake circuits
This symbol lights if a brake circuit is
not working.
If a fault should occur in one of the
circuits, it is still possible to brake the car. The
brake pedal will travel further and may feel
softer than normal. Harder pressure on the
pedal is needed to produce the normal
braking effect.
Dampness can affect braking
characteristics
Brake components become wet when the car
is driven in heavy rain, through pools of water
or when the car is washed. This may alter
brake pad friction characteristics so that
there is a delay before braking effect is
noticed.
Press the brake pedal lightly from time to time
if driving for long stretches in rain or slushy
snow, as well as after setting off in very damp
or cold weather. This warms up the braking
surfaces and dries off any water. It is also
recommended to do this before parking the
car for a long period in such weather condi-
tions.
If the brakes are used heavily
When driving in the Alps or other roads with
similar characteristics, the car's brakes are
heavily loaded even if the brake pedal is not
being depressed especially hard.
Because speed is often low, the brakes are
not cooled as effectively as when driving on
flat roads at higher speed.
So as not to overload the brakes, shift down
when driving downhill instead of using the
foot brake. Use the same gear driving
downhill as you would use driving uphill. This
Starting and driving
uses engine braking more efficiently and
requires the foot brake for only brief periods.
Bear in mind that driving with a trailer puts an
additional load on the car's brakes.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS)
prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking.
This means the ability to steer is maintained
and it is easier to swerve to avoid a hazard for
example.
After the engine has been started, the ABS
will perform a brief self-test at a speed of
about 20 km/h. This can be felt and heard as
pulses in the brake pedal.
To get the most out of the ABS:
• Press brake pedal with full force. Pulses
will be felt.
• Steer the car in the direction of travel. Do
not release the pressure on the pedal.
Practice braking with the ABS system in a
traffic-free area and in different weather
conditions.
The ABS symbol lights up:
• for about two seconds when the car is
started if the ABS is disengaged due to a
fault.
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