Vehicle Security; Power Steering System; Brake System; Brake Precautions - Renault ALASKAN 2017 Driver's Handbook Manual

VEHICLE SECURITY

When leaving your vehicle unoccupied:
•
Always take the key with you - even when leav-
ing the vehicle in your own garage.
•
Close all windows completely and lock all doors.
•
Always park your vehicle where it can be seen.
Park in a well lit area during the night.
•
If the security system is equipped, use it - even
for a short period.
•
Never leave children or pets in the vehicle unat-
tended.
•
Never leave valuables inside the vehicle. Always
take valuables with you.
•
Never leave the vehicle documents in the ve-
hicle.
•
Never leave articles on a roof rail. Remove them
from the rack and keep and lock them inside the
vehicle.
•
Never leave the spare key in the vehicle.

POWER STEERING SYSTEM

WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off while
driving, the power assist for the steering will not
work. The steering will be much harder to oper-
ate.
The power assisted steering is designed to use a
hydraulic pump driven by the engine, to assist steer-
ing.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, greater
steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns
and at low speeds.

BRAKE SYSTEM

The brake system has two separate hydraulic cir-
cuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have
braking ability at two wheels.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the ve-
hicle by depressing the footbrake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the footbrake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle. The stopping distance
will be longer.
If the engine is not running or is turned off while driv-
ing, the power assisted brakes will not function.
Braking will be harder.
WARNING
Do not coast with the engine stopped.
Using brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the footbrake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake linings/pads faster, and increase fuel con-
sumption.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes
from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a
lower gear before going down a slope or long grade.
Overheated brakes may reduce braking perfor-
mance and could result in loss of vehicle control.
Starting and driving
5-49