Braking - Volkswagen Jetta Wagon 2004 Owner's Manual

Braking
General notes
• The brakes on today's automobiles are
still subject to wear depending largely on
operat ing conditions and driving habits. On
vehicles wh ich are driven mostly in stop-
and-go city traffic or w hich are driven hard,
the brake linings should be checked by you r
authorized VOLKSWAGEN dealer more
often than specified in t he Maintenance
booklet.
See Booklet 1. 1.
"' ~WARNING
• If you damage the front spoiler,
or if you install a different spoiler,
be sure the air flow to the front
brakes is not obstructed, otherwi-
se the brake system could over-
heat reducing the effectiveness of
the entire brake system.
• Failure of one brake circuit will
impair the braking capability re-
sulting in an increased stopping
distance. Avoid driving the vehicle
and have it towed to the nearest
VOLKSWAGEN dealer or qualified
workshop.
• New brake pads don't have the
best stopping power and must be
"broken- in " during the initial 100
to 150 miles (150 to 200 kilome-
tres) of normal city driving. You
can compensate for this by press-
ing the brake pedal more firmly.
This also applies later when new
p a d s are installe d.
TIPS AND ADVICE
Conditions affecting
braking efficiency
Moisture or road salt
~WARNING
• Under certain climatic and oper-
ating conditions such as passing
through water, driving in heavy
rain or after washing the vehicle,
the effectiveness of the brakes
can be reduced. In winter, ice can
accumulate on the brake pads, lin-
ings, discs and drums. Cautiously
apply brakes for a test. Brakes will
dry and ice coatings will be
cleaned off after a few cautious
brake applications.
• Driving for an extended period
of time on s alt-covered roads
without using your brakes can also
affect braking efficiency. Clean
off accumulated salt coating from
brake d iscs and pads with a few
cautious brake applications.
OPDMAL TECHNOLOGY ---------------------------------- 7