Anti-Lock Brake System And Traction Control Abs - Seat Ibiza Owner's Manual

Braking capacity and braking distance
The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. This
wear depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the vehicle is
operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often drive in town, drive
short distances or have a sporty driving style, we recommend that you have
the thickness of your brake pads checked by a Technical Service more fre-
quently than recommended in the Maintenance Programme.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): in this case, "dry"
the brakes by applying the brakes carefully 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 compensa-
ted 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
transmission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.
● Never let the brakes "drag" by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
● Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.
Safety Operation
WARNING (Continued)
● If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use, va-
pour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency 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 instructions ⇒ p age 180, Technical modifi-
cations.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased
considerably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid un-
necessary journeys.
Anti-lock brake system and traction control
ABS
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake (ABS) system prevents the wheels locking during brak-
ing and is an important part of the vehicle's active safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.
The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake
pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one
or more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has
intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully de-
pressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not "pump".
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is re-
tained as the wheels do not lock.
Advice
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Technical specifications
159