Volvo S80 Owner's Manual page 254

08 Starting and driving
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Brake pad inspection
On vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi-
tion of the brake pads can be checked by
raising the vehicle (see Changing a wheel –
removing wheel (p. 277) for information
about using the jack and removing a wheel)
and performing a visual inspection of the
brake pads.
WARNING
•
If the vehicle has been driven immedi-
ately prior to a brake pad inspection,
the wheel hub, brake components,
etc., will be very hot. Allow time for
these components to cool before car-
rying out the inspection.
•
Apply the parking brake and put the
gear selector in the Park (P) position.
•
Block the wheels standing on the
ground, use rigid wooden blocks or
large stones.
08
*
252
Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
WARNING
•
Use the jack intended for the vehicle
when changing a tire. For any other
job, use stands to support the vehicle.
•
The jack should be kept well-greased
and clean, and should not be dam-
aged.
•
Be sure the jack is on a firm, level,
non-slippery surface.
•
No objects should be placed between
the base of jack and the ground, or
between the jack and the attachment
bar on the vehicle.
•
The jack must correctly engage the
jack attachment.
•
Never allow any part of your body to
be extended under a vehicle suppor-
ted by a jack.
Power brakes function only when the
engine is running
The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure
which is only created when the engine is run-
ning. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop with
the engine switched off.
If the power brakes are not working, consid-
erably higher pressure will be required on the
brake pedal to compensate for the lack of
power assistance. This can happen for exam-
ple 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 wash-
ing 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
when towing a trailer. 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.
Cleaning the brake discs
Coatings of dirt and water on the brake discs
may result in delayed brake function. This
delay is minimized by cleaning the brake lin-
ings.
Cleaning the brake pads is advisable in wet
weather, prior to long-term parking, and after
the vehicle has been washed. Do this by