Skoda Rapid Owner's Manual page 111

ABS brake assist system
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First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
The ABS brake assist system only works when the engine is running and signifi-
cantly contributes to active driving safety.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS can prevent the wheels from locking while braking just before the vehi-
cle is stopped and helps the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain control. This
means that the vehicle tends less to skid even during full braking:
● Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal. Do not take your foot off the brake
pedal or reduce the force on the brake pedal!
● Do not "pump" the brake pedal or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal!
● Steer the vehicle while continuing to firmly depress the brake pedal.
● When you release the brake pedal or reduce the force on the brake pedal, the
ABS is switched off.
The control process of the ABS is noticeable by a pulsating movement of the
brake pedal and noise. It should not be expected that the ABS shortens the brak-
ing distance under all circumstances. The braking distance may even be longer on
gravel or on icy or slippery surfaces of fresh snow.
WARNING
Fast driving on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to loss of vehicle control and
serious injuries for the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. The enhanced safety features through the ABS brake assist
system must not mislead you to take a security risk.
● Brake assist systems can not overcome the physical limits. Slippery or wet
roads remain very dangerous even with ABS.
● Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with
the ground and "float". A vehicle can not be slowed down, steered and con-
trolled when it has lost contact with the road.
● Brake assist systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you drive
too closely behind the vehicle ahead or too fast for the prevailing driving sit-
uation.
Vehicle overview Before driving
WARNING (Continued)
● Although brake assist systems are very effective in difficult situations and
help control the vehicle, always remember that the driving stability depends
on the grip of the tyres.
● When accelerating on slippery surfaces, e.g. on ice or snow, depress the
accelerator pedal carefully. Even with brake assist systems, wheels may spin,
which can lead to loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
● Always remember that changes and modifications to the vehicle may af-
fect the function of the ABS.
● Changes to the suspension of the vehicle or the use of unapproved wheel/
tyre combinations can affect the function of the ABS and reduce its effective-
ness.
Note
Noise may be audible when the ABS operates.
When driving Maintenance, cleaning, servic-
ing
Starting, shifting gears, parking
Do-it-yourself
109
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