Brake Pads - Lotus 2005 Elise Owner's Handbook Manual

Use only a non-mineral type DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed
container marked with a yellow and black (non-mineral) symbol.
Do not use DOT 5 silicone fluid, or any fluid which has been
exposed to the atmosphere for more than a brief period, or
any fluid suspected of being wet, dirty or contaminated. Do not
overfill, and replace the cap securely.
Brake fluid, being hygroscopic, absorbs water from the atmos-
phere over a period of time, resulting in a lowering of the boiling
point of the fluid, and corrosion of the hydraulic system. For
optimum safety and brake performance, the brake fluid should
be renewed every twelve months by your Lotus Dealer.
WARNING:
• Brake fluid is hazardous to health and may be fatal if
swallowed. Keep out of children's reach.
• Using the wrong type of brake fluid can damage brake
system components and result in brake failure causing a
crash in which you and others could be killed or seriously
injured. See 'Recommended Lubricants'.

Brake Pads

The thickness of the brake pad lining material should be
checked at every service, and under no circumstances be al-
lowed to fall below 0.1 inch (2.5 mm). If the brakes are in very
frequent or arduous use, as when driving in mountainous terrain,
or on race circuits, it is recommended that they be examined
more frequently. The pads should be renewed if of insufficient
thickness to ensure safe braking until the next scheduled
service.
Note that in order to ensure that brake pads with the correct
material specification are used, only genuine Lotus replacement
parts should be fitted, and in the interests of safety, pad renewal
should be entrusted to your Lotus dealer.
WARNING:
Using incorrect brake pads, or pads below 0.1 inch
(2.5mm) thickness, may cause a crash in which you or
others could be killed or seriously injured.
With a new car, or new brake system components, maxi-
mum braking efficiency will be achieved if, for the first few
hundred miles, needless heavy braking is avoided, and the
brake pads and discs are allowed to 'bed in' fully before
being used to their full potential (see also 'Footbrake').
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