Service Brakes - Volvo 9700 US/CAN Driver's Handbook Manual

58 Instruments and Controls

Service Brakes

The bus is equipped with an EBS brake
system (Electronically-controlled Braking
System). This system monitors and controls
brake operation. For additional information
concerning the EBS system, refer to the
separate Operating Instruction "EBS".
If the main brakes are used without care
when driving down steep and long inclines,
they will heat up very quickly to extreme
temperatures. The low speed that is generally
the rule in such cases means that the brakes
are not cooled as efficiently as when driving
on level roads.
When driving downhill, in the first instance
use the retarder brake, and only supplement
this with the main brakes as necessary. For
additional information about the retarder, see
"Retarder", page 90.
If you have to use the footbrake while driving
downhill, do not pump the brakes, as this
will only use up compressed air. Brake
sufficiently hard, and then release the brake
pedal completely, or just to the pedal position
where only the retarder is engaged. Heat
builds up very quickly in the brakes, causing
increased wear of the brake linings and
reduced brake efficiency.
This system has a reserve pneumatic system.
The main purpose of the EBS system is to
increase road traffic safety by shortening
braking distances.
Dark zone — only retarder
Light zone — retarder and foot brake
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T0009682
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