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Operating noise
Noises
may occur when
braking
depending on the
speed, braking
f
orce and outside conditions such
as temperature and humidity.
Effect of water and road
salt
I
n certain situat ions, for example after
driving
through
wate r,
in
heavy rain, after overn ight con-
densat ion or
after
wash ing your car,
the
braking
effect can be reduced by moisture or ice on
the
brake
rotors and
brake
pads. The
brakes
must
be
dried first with a
few
carefu
l
brake applications.
At
higher
speeds
and
with the w indshie ld w ipers
turned
on,
the
brake pads
press
against
the
brake
rotors
for
a short amount of time. This occurs at
regular intervals without the driver noticing and
provides for better brake response time under
wet conditions.
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 salt coating from brake discs
and pads with a few cautious applications of the
brake
¢
.&
.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on
the brake pads and corrosion to form on the discs
if the car is
not
driven regularly or only for short
tr ips with
little
use of the brakes.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if corro-
sion has formed on the discs, it is advisable to
clean off the pads and discs by braking firmly a
few t imes from a moderately high speed¢
.&
.
Faults
in the
brake system
If you should notice a sudden increase in brake
pedal trave l, then one of the two brake circuits
may
have
fa iled c:>
.&
.
Low brake
fluid
level
Malfunctions can occur
in
the
brake system if
the
brake
fluid level
is
too low. The
brake
f luid
level
is
~
monitored electronically.
ci
u..
co
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..,.,
N
..,.,
,....,
Smart
Technology
Brake booster
The
brake booster increases
the pressure
that
you
generate w ith
the
brake
pedal. It
works on ly
when the engine
is
running
.c:>
.&
Brake lining wear status
Brake
lining wear
may
be
checked
by visual in-
spect
ion
of
the
condition
of the
brake
pads
through the
open ings in
the
wheel.
If
necessary,
the wheel may be
removed
for
this
inspection
c:>
page
230, Replacing
wheels
.
_8
WARNING
"'---
-
New brake pads don't have the best stop-
ping
power
and must be "broken-in" during
the initial 250 miles (400 kilometers). You
can compensate for this
by
pressing the
brake pedal more firmly. This also applies
later when new pads
are
installed.
-
- You shou ld perform
braking
maneuvers for
the purpose
of cleaning
the
brake
system
only
if
road
conditions permit.
Other road
users
must not
be put at
risk
-
you
may
cause
an
accident
!
-
Before
descending
a steep grade,
reduce
speed and shift transmission
into
a
lower
gear
or
lower
driving 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 resting
you
r
foot
on
the
pedal
when you do not
intend
to
brake. This may cause
the
brakes to over-
heat, premature wear and increased stop-
ping
distance.
-
Under
certain climatic and operat ing condi-
tions such as
passing
through water, dr iving
in heavy rain or after washing the
vehicle,
the
effectiveness of the
brakes can be re-
duced.
In winter, ice can accumulate
on
the
brake
pads, linings,
discs and drums.
Care-
fully apply brakes for
a t
est.
Brakes
will
dry
and ice coatings
will
be cleaned off after a
few careful
brake
applications.
-
Driving for an
extended
period of time on
salt -covered roads
with
out using your
brakes can also affect braking efficiency
.
173
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