Table of contents: Brake booster vacuum ↓ ABS system ↓
The following recommendations are important for trouble-free operation of the braking system.
- New brake pads must first be worn in and therefore do not yet provide optimum friction force for the first 200 km. The associated slight reduction in braking efficiency can be compensated for by a corresponding increase in the force on the brake pedal. This also applies to subsequent replacement of pads during vehicle operation.
- A sudden increase in the brake pedal travel may be due to a failure of one of the circuits of the dual-circuit brake system. And although in this case you can continue driving to contact the nearest workshop, you should remember that the pedal force and braking distance will increase significantly.
- The brake fluid level should be checked regularly. A drop in the brake fluid level is indicated by the brake system indicator light coming on.
- Brake lining wear depends to a large extent on the driving style and vehicle operating conditions. With sporty driving, as well as when the vehicle is used only in urban conditions, the lining replacement periods may be shorter than those provided for in the maintenance plan.
- If the situation requires engine braking to relieve the brake system, then, if necessary, do not keep the brake pedal pressed constantly, but brake in interval mode.
- Under certain operating conditions, such as after driving through water, in heavy rain or after washing the car, the braking effect may be delayed due to moisture, and in winter even icing of the brake pads or discs. In this case, the brakes must first be dried.
A delay in braking effect is also possible when driving on roads sprinkled with salt, if the brakes have not been applied for a long time. In this case, it is necessary to brake specially to remove the salt deposit from the brake pads or discs.
Attention! When installing an additional spoiler on the front end, make sure that it does not interfere with the airflow and ventilation of the front wheel brakes. The brakes may overheat.
Brake booster vacuum
Caution! The brake booster operates from the low air pressure created during engine operation. For this reason, do not coast the vehicle with the engine off.
When the brake booster does not work, for example due to damage or when the vehicle is towed, the force on the brake pedal must be much greater to compensate for the lack of drive assistance.
ABS system
ABS significantly contributes to increasing the active safety of the vehicle.
The advantage of the ABS braking system over the conventional one is that the wheels do not lock even during emergency braking on a slippery road. Thanks to this, the controllability and stability of the car are maintained in such a situation.
However, you cannot expect that the braking distance will be shorter thanks to ABS. When driving on gravel or freshly fallen snow lying on a slippery road, when it is already necessary to drive with extreme caution and minimum speed, the braking distance may even increase slightly.
Operating principle of ABS
If the wheel speed decreases, approaching the forward speed of the car, or in other words, the wheel shows a tendency to lock, then the pressure in the brake drive of this wheel is automatically reduced. This regulation process is noticeable by the pulsation of the brake pedal, accompanied by characteristic noise manifestations. Thus, the driver is specifically given a warning signal that one or more wheels are operating in a mode close to locking.
In order for the ABS to work in such situations, the brake pedal should be kept pressed and under no circumstances should you try to brake in several strokes.
Attention! ABS is not able to eliminate the effect of the laws of physics. This is especially true when driving on ice or wet roads. If signs of wheel locking appear, the speed must be adjusted to the traffic situation.
ABS is automatically activated every time the engine is started.
ABS malfunction is indicated by a control lamp.
Note: When the rear axle differential lock is engaged, the ABS is automatically disengaged, since the presence of a rigid kinematic connection between the rear wheels makes it impossible to regulate the braking forces.
When the differential lock is engaged, the braking system operates as usual, i.e. without ABS. ABS is automatically re-engaged after the differential lock is manually disengaged or is automatically disengaged when the speed reaches 25 km/h.