Braking - Audi Q5 2011 Owner's Manual

200 Intelligent technology
To ensure that the ASR works properly, all
four wheels must be fitted with identical
tires. Any differences in rolling radius of
the t ires can cause the system to reduce
engine power when this is not desired . See
also¢ page 258, New tires and replacing
tires and wheels.
Braking
General information
What affects braking efficiency?
Operating conditions and driving habits
The brakes on today's automob iles are st ill
subject to wear, depending largely on operat-
ing cond itions and dr iving habits
Q
,& . On ve-
hicles that are eithe r driven mostly in stop-
and-go city traffic or are driven hard, the
brake pads should be checked by your author-
ized Audi deal er 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.
Noises may occur when braking depending on
the speed, braking force and outside condi-
tions such as temperature and humidity .
Moi sture or road salt
If you are driving faster than 50 mph (80 km/
h) and the windshie ld wipers are on, the brake
pads will briefly touch the brake discs in regu-
lar intervals so as to improve reaction time
when braking on wet surfaces. You, the driver,
will not notice anything.
Under certain 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 carefu l brake applications should dry off
the brake pads or remove any ice coatings.
The effect iveness of the brakes can be reduced
when the vehicle is driven on a salt-c overed
road and the brakes are not used. Here too,
you should clean off accumulated salt coating
from brake discs and pads w ith a few careful
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 regu larly 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 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 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 fluid
level is monitored electronically .
Brake lining wear status
Brake lining wear may be checked by visual in-
spect ion of the condition of the brake pads
through the openings in the wheel. If neces-
sary, the wheel may be removed for this in-
spect ion
c>
page 2 71, Changing a wheel.
A
WARNING
=
- You shou ld perform braking maneuvers
for the purpose of cleaning the brake
system only if road conditions permit .
Othe r road users must not be put at risk -
you may cause an accident! ..,.