Electro-Mechanical Power Steering - Audi A3 Sportback g-tron Owner's Manual

can be delayed by moisture (or in winter by
ice) on the discs and brake pads. The brakes
should be "dried" by pressing the pedal to re-
store full braking effect.
When you are driving at higher speeds with
the windscreen wipers on, the brake pads are
very briefly brought into contact with the
brake discs. This automatic process which
goes unnoticed by the driver is carried out at
regular intervals and is intended to improve
braking response in wet conditions.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be
temporari ly reduced if the car is driven for
some distance without using the brakes when
there is a lot of salt on the road in winter. The
layer of salt that accu mu lat es on the discs and
pads can be removed with a few cautious
brake applications.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up
on the brake pads and corrosion to form on
the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if
you only drive low mileages without using the
brakes very much.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if cor-
rosion has formed on the discs, it is advisable
to clean off the pads and discs by braking
firmly a few times from a moderately high
speed ~ .&. .
Faults in the brake sys tem
If the brake pedal travel shou ld ever increase
suddenly, this may mean that one of the two
brake circuits has fa iled. Drive immediately to
the nearest qualified workshop and have the
fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be
prepared to use more pressure on the brake
pedal and allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake flu id level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if
the brake fluid level is too low. The brake fluid
level is monitored electronically.
Intelligent tec hnology 185
Brake servo
The brake servo amplifies the pressure you ap-
ply to the brake pedal. It only works when the
engine is running.
.&.
WARNING
- When applying the brakes to clean off
deposits on the pads and discs, select a
clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconven-
ience or endanger other road users; do
not risk an accident.
- Never let the car coast with the engine
switched off (this can cause accidents).
CD
CAUTION
- Never let the brakes "drag" by leaving
your foot on the pedal when you do not
really intend to brake. This overheats the
brakes, resulting in longer stopping dis-
tances and greater wear.
- Before driving down a long, steep gradi-
ent, it is advisable to reduce speed and
select a lower gear. In this way you will
make use of the engine braking effect
and relieve the load on the brakes. If you
still have to use the brakes, it is better to
brake firmly at intervals than to apply
t he brakes continuously.
1
Note
- If the brake servo is out of action, you
must apply considerably more pressure
to the brake pedal than you normally
would.
- If you wish to equ ip the car with accesso-
ries such as a front spoi ler or wheel cov-
ers, it is important that the flow of air to
the front wheels is not obstructed, oth-
erwise the brakes can overheat.
Electro-mechanical
power steering
Electro-mechanical power steering assists the
driver when steering.
The degree of power assistance is adapted
electronically, depending on the speed.