Seat Ibiza Owner's Manual page 164

of your brake pads checked by technical serv-
ices more frequently than recommended in
the Maintenance Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, af-
ter crossing areas of water, on days of heavy
rainfall or even after washing the car, the ef-
fect of the brakes is reduced as the brake
discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): in
this case, the brakes should be "dried" by
pressing the brake pedal several times.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the
brake system increase the risk of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not
have the correct friction during the first
200 km. This reduced braking capacity may
be compensated for by pressing on the brake
pedal a little harder, which also applies when
the brake pads have to be changed further
on.
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are
●
driving on roads which have been salted,
braking power may be lower than normal.
On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively
●
used, they will overheat. Before driving down
a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change down into a lower gear or
range (depending on the type of transmis-
sion). Thus, make use of engine braking and
relieve the brakes.
● Never let the brakes "drag" by applying
light pressure. Continuous braking will cause
162
Operation
the brakes to overheat and the braking dis-
tance will increase. Apply and then release
the brakes alternately.
Never let the vehicle run with the engine
●
switched off. The braking distance is in-
creased considerably when the brake servo is
not active.
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is
subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles can
form in the brake system. This reduces the ef-
ficiency of the brakes.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers
could restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat. Before purchasing
accessories please observe the relevant in-
›››
structions page 220, Modifications.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking
distance will be increased considerably. Con-
tact a specialised workshop immediately and
avoid unnecessary journeys.
Control lamp
Situations in which the warning lamp lights
up *
● the brake fluid level is too low
›››
page 240.
● there is a fault in the brake system.
This warning lamp can light up together with
the ABS system warning lamp.
WARNING
● If the brake warning lamp does not go out
or if it lights up when driving, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low so there is a
›››
risk of an accident page 240, Brake
Stop the vehicle and do not drive on. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up
gether with the ABS lamp  this could be
due to an ABS fault. This could cause the rear
wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This
could cause the rear to break away. Risk of
skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical
assistance.
Handbrake
Fig. 151 Handbrake between the front seats.
The handbrake should be applied firmly to
prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling
away. Always apply the handbrake when you
leave your vehicle and when you park.
fluid.
to-
