Braking - Skoda Fabia Owner's Manual

Braking

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Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking
Handbrake
WARNING
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
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cal effort is required for braking when the engine is switched off – there is the
risk of an accident.
Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
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engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake servo can be impaired – there is the risk of an acci-
dent.
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
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ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired – there is the
risk of an accident.
Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
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is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – there is the risk
of an accident.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
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ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off – there is the risk of an accident.
CAUTION
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads
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Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
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sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear.
96
Driving
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
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siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
96
ly after accelerating or driving off again.
97
Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
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the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously.
Information for braking
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Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a specialist garage before the next service appointment.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
» page 103.
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
high speed.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you
will not know how great the damage is.
Note
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 96.
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