Table of Contents
Advertisement
down continuously. Pump the brakes at inter -
vals.
Noises may occur when braking depending on
t he speed, brak ing force and outside condi-
tions such as temperature
and humidity.
Moistu re or road salt
Under certain conditions, for examp le, when
driving through wate r or very heavy rain, or
even after washing your vehicle, the bra king
effect can be reduced due to moistu re (or in
freezing conditions ice) on the brake pads. A
few cautious brake applications should dry off
the brake pads or remove any ice coatings.
The effectiveness of the brakes can be reduced
when the vehicle is driven on a salt -covered
road and the brakes are not used. Likewise,
you clean off accumulated sa lt coating from
brake discs and pads with a few cautious ap-
plications of the brake ¢ .&,.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to bui ld up
on the brake pads and corrosion to form on
the discs if the car is not dr iven regularly or
only for short trips with little use of the
brakes.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if cor-
rosion has formed on the discs, it is advisable
to clean off the pads and discs by brak ing
firmly a few times from a moderately high
speed ¢ .&,.
Fault s in the brake system
If you should notice a
sudden
increase in
brake peda l travel, then one of the two brake
circu its may have failed ¢ .&,.
Low brake flu id level
Malfunctions can occur in t he brake system if
the brake fluid leve l is too low. The brake fluid
leve l is monitored electronically.
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the press ure that
you generate w ith the brake pedal. It works
only when the engine is running .¢
.&.
Int e llig e nt technolog
y
157
Brake lining wear status
Brake lining wear may be checked by visual in-
spection of the condition of the brake pads
thro ugh the openings in the wheel. If neces-
sary, the wheel may be removed for t his in-
spection ¢
page 22 5, What should I be
aware of when changing a tire?.
A
WARNING
- You should perform braking maneuvers
for the purpose of cleaning the brake
system only if road conditions permit.
Othe r road use rs must not be put at risk -
you may ca use an accident!
- Before descend ing a steep grade, reduce
speed and sh ift transmission into a lower
gear or lower dr iving range. Do not ride
the brakes or hold the pedal down too
long or too often. This could cause the
brakes to get hot and diminish braking
efficiency.
- Do not "ride the brakes" by rest ing your
foot on the pedal when you do not intend
to brake. This may cause the brakes to
overheat, premature wear and increased
stopping distance .
- Under certain climatic and operat ing
conditions such as passing through wa-
ter, dr iving in heavy rain or after washing
the vehicle, the effectiveness of the
brakes can be reduced. In winter, ice can
accumu late on the bra ke pads, linings,
discs and drums. Carefully app ly bra kes
for a test . Brakes w ill dry and ice coat-
ings will be cleaned off after a few care-
fu l brake applicat ions.
- Driving for an extended period of time on
salt-covered roads without using your
brakes can a lso affect braking efficiency.
Clean off accumulated salt coating from
brake discs and pads with a few cautious
brake applications.
- If you damage the front spoiler, or if you
install a different spoiler, be sure the a ir
flow to the front brakes is not obstruct-
ed. Otherw ise the brake system could
..,.
•
•
Advertisement
Table of Contents
