Table of Contents
Advertisement
Braking
New brake pads
During the first 250 miles (400 km), new
brake pads do not possess their fu ll braking
effect, they have to be "broken in" first. The
distance can be ten times longer in vehicles
with ceramic brakes*. You can compensate for
this slightly reduced braking power by push-
ing harder on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking loads during the break-in period.
Operating conditions and driving habits
The brakes on today's automobi les are sti ll
subject to wear, depending largely on operat-
ing conditions and dr iving habits
c:>
& .
On ve-
hicles that are either driven mostly in stop-
and-go city traffic or are driven hard, the
brake pads should be checked by your author-
ized Audi dealer more often than specified in
the Warranty
&
Maintenance booklet. Failure
to have your brake pads inspected can result
in reduced brake performance.
On steep slopes, you shou ld use the braking
effect of the engine. This way, you prevent un-
necessary wear on the brake system . If you
must use your brakes, do not hold the brakes
down continuously. Pump the brakes at inter-
vals.
Moisture or road salt
Under certa in conditions, for example, when
driving through water or very heavy rain, or
even after washing your vehicle, the braking
effect can be reduced due to moisture (or in
freezing conditions ice) on the brake pads. A
few cautious brake applicat ions should dry off
the brake pads or remove any ice coatings.
When you are driving at higher speeds with
the windshield wipers on, the brake pads will
briefly touch the brake discs in regular inter-
vals so as to improve reaction t ime when brak-
ing on wet surfaces. You, the driver, will not
notice anything.
The effectiveness of the brakes can be reduced
when the vehicle is dr iven on a salt-covered
road and the brakes are not used. Likewise,
Intelligent
technology
145
you clean off accumulated salt coating from
brake discs and pads with a few cautious ap-
plications of the brake
c:>
& .
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 regu larly or
on ly for short trips with litt le 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 braking
firmly a few times from a moderately high
speed
c:>
& .
Faults in the brake system
If you shou ld notice a
sudden
increase in
brake pedal travel, then one of the two brake
circuits may have fai led. Drive immediately to
the nearest qualified workshop to have the
damage repaired. Drive at reduced speed on
the way there and anticipate longer stopping
distances and higher pedal pressure
c:>
&,.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if
the brake fluid level is too low. The brake flu id
level is monitored electronically.
Brake power assist unit
The brake power assist unit increases the
pressure that you generate with the brake
pedal. It works only when the engine is run-
ning.
Brake lining wear status
Brake lining wear may be checked by visual in-
spection of t he condition of the brake pads
thro ugh the openings in the wheel. If neces-
sary, the whee l may be removed for this in-
spection
c:>
page 206 .
A
WARNING
-
- You should perform braking maneuvers
for the purpose of cleaning the brake
system only if road conditions permit.
•
•
Advertisement
Table of Contents
