Volvo S80 Owner's Manual page 111

If a fault should occur in one of the
circuits it is still possible to stop the car. Press
the pedal hard once - not repeatedly. The brake
pedal can be depressed further and feels a little
softer than usual. If also requires more pressure
on the pedal to achieve a normal braking effect.
The brake servo only works when the
engine is running
If the car is rolling or being towed with the
engine switched off you must apply approxima-
tely five times more pressure on the brake pedal
than when the engine is running.
The brake pedal feels rigid and hard.
Moisture on the brake discs and brake
lining alter braking characteristics!
The brake components become wet when the
car is driven in heavy rain, through pools of
water, or when the car is washed. This alters
brake pad friction characteristics so that there is
a delay before braking effect is noticed. Depress
the brake pedal lightly from time to time when
driving long distances in rain or slush or before
parking the car in such conditions. The brake
pads are thus able to warm up and dry out. You
should also do this when driving after washing
the car or when starting in very damp or cold
weather conditions.
If the brakes are heavily loaded
When driving in the Alps or other roads with
similar characteristics, the brakes are heavily
loaded even if you are not pressing the pedal
110
particularly hard. Because the speed is often
low the brakes are not cooled as effectively as
when driving on flat roads.
So as not to overload the brakes shift down
and use the same gear both uphill and downhill
instead of using the brake (manual transmis-
sion). In this way engine braking is used more
effectively and the brake is only required for
short periods.
Keep in mind that the brakes are even more
heavily loaded when driving with a trailer.
The ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System) is
designed so that the wheels do not lock when
braking. This retains the best possible steering
response when braking. This improves your
ability to swerve to avoid obstacles. The ABS
system does not increase your total braking
capacity. However, as the driver you have
increased ability to steer and thus better control
over the car, which in turn increases safety.
After the engine has started and reached a speed
of about 20 km/h (12 mph), a short self-test can
be both heard and felt. When the ABS system
functions, you can hear and feel pulses in the
brake pedal. This is completely normal.
NOTE! You must depress the brake pedal fully
to take maximum advantage of the ABS system.
Do not release the pedal when the ABS pulses
are felt and heard. Practice braking with the
ABS system in a suitable place.
The ABS symbol is lit and shines with a
constant glow:
·
For approximately two seconds when you
start the car to test the system.
·
If the ABS system has shut down due to a
fault.