Skoda Rapid Owner's Manual page 110

108 Starting, shifting gears, parking
WARNING
New brake pads initially do not provide optimal braking performance.
● New brake pads have not yet attained full braking efficiency for up to
200 miles (320 km) and must first be "run in". Reduced braking efficiency can
be increased by adding more pressure applied to the brake pedal.
● To reduce the risk of accidents, personal injury and loss of vehicle control,
drive more carefully with new brake pads.
● During the running-in period of new pads, never drive too closely behind
other vehicles or cause driving situations which involve a high load on the
brake.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking efficiency and extend the braking dis-
tance significantly.
● When driving downhill, the brakes are particularly stressed and become
hot very quickly.
● Before driving over a longer distance with a steep gradient, slow down,
shift to a lower gear or select a lower driving stage. As a result, the braking
effect of the engine will be used, reducing the load on the brake.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers may impair the supply of air to the
brakes and lead to overheating of the brakes.
WARNING
Wet brakes or frozen or salty brakes decelerate later and extend the braking
distance.
● Try to brake carefully.
● Always dry the brakes and free them of ice and salt by a few careful brak-
ing operations when permitted by visibility, weather, road and traffic condi-
tions.
WARNING
Driving without a brake booster can significantly lengthen the braking dis-
tance, causing accidents and serious injuries.
● Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.
● If the brake booster is not working or the vehicle is towed, the brake pedal
must be depressed with greater force because the braking distance increases
due to the lack of braking assistance.
NOTICE
● Never let the brakes "slip" with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not
really necessary. Continuous pressure on the brake pedal causes overheating
of the brakes. This can considerably reduce the stopping power, extend the
braking distance significantly and may lead to total failure of the brake sys-
tem.
● Before driving over a longer distance with a steep gradient, slow down,
shift to a lower gear or select a lower driving stage. As a result, the braking
effect of the engine will be used, reducing the load on the brake. Otherwise,
the brake may overheat and potentially fail. Use the brakes only when needed
to slow down or stop.
Note
When the front brake pads are checked, the rear brake pads should be examined
simultaneously. The thickness of all brake pads should regularly be checked visu-
ally by examining the brake pads through the openings of the wheels or from the
underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a thorough
inspection. Škoda recommends a Škoda partner for this purpose.
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