2003 ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q brake

C - Driving
1-C-19
The Braking Systems
The Footbrake System
Your DB AR1 uses a vacuum boosted hydraulic braking system with anti-
lock (ABS) function. This system ensures braking performance in keeping
with the vehicle performance.
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is continually monitored for correct
operation whilst the ignition is switched on. Should a fault occur, it will be
signalled by the Anti-Lock Warning Light.
Brake System Safety Features
The brake system tandem master cylinder is designed so that in the worst
case (barring major accident damage), only half the brake system could fail.
Even in the event of a major brake pipe fracture, at least two wheels will have
fully operative brakes.

C - Driving
1-C-20
Bedding-In of New/Replacement Brake Pads
To ensure that brake pads and discs are correctly 'bedded-in' on new cars,
the factory road test the car and perform the following brake bedding-in
procedure:
1. Three light brake applications from 80-50 kph (50-30 mph) using normal
acceleration to 80 kph.
2. Three medium applications from 110-65 kph (70-40) mph using normal
acceleration up to 110 kph.
3. Two hard applications from high speed to 50 kph (30 mph), again using
normal acceleration.
4. Drive a further 8 km (5 miles) with minimal brake use.
5. Stop and allow the brakes to cool.
6. Drive a further 8 km (5 miles) back to the workshop with normal brake
use.
Aston Martin dealers are required to perform this routine each time brake
pads / discs are replaced.
Aston Martin require owners to perform this routine if pads or discs are
replaced by a non-franchised workshop who will not know of the correct
bedding in procedure.
Failure to bed-in the brake pads / discs will result in reduced brake
performance and possible brake judder or squeal.

C - Driving
1-C-21
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) fitted to the DB AR1 helps prevent the
road wheels from locking and skidding during emergency braking, helping
steering and directional stability to be maintained.
If, in an emergency braking situation, the braking force applied begins to
exceed the tyre/road adhesion, the ABS system is activated to prevent the
road wheels locking. When this happens a pulsating effect is felt through the
brake pedal. This is a normal ABS effect.
WARNING: In all cases it remains the drivers responsibility to drive safely
according to the law and with due regard to prevailing conditions. The fact that
a vehicle is equipped with ABS must never allow the driver to be tempted into
taking risks which could affect his/her safety or that of other road users. The
addition of ABS cannot overcome the consequences of trying to stop in too short
a distance, cornering at too high a speed, or the risk of aquaplaning - where the
tyres are prevented from contacting the road surface by a layer of water.
The driver should always take road conditions into account. A slippery road
surface always requires more braking distance for a given speed, even with ABS.
Possible extensions of stopping distance compared to locked wheels may occur
during ABS operation on slushy snow, gravel, sand or certain heavily corrugated
or ridged warning sections of road surfaces.

C - Driving
1-C-22
Brake Warning Indications During Driving
Your DB AR1 electronic control units continue to monitor correct operation
of the braking sub-systems while the vehicle is being driven. Two brake
warning lights are of particular importance.
The Anti Lock Braking (ABS) Warning Light
The ABS system is monitored for correct operation while the
ignition is switched on. If a fault is detected, the Anti-Lock
warning light will illuminate and the ABS system will be partly
or fully disabled.
The normal braking system will continue to function without anti-lock but
with full vacuum boosted braking to all road wheels being maintained. In
the event of an ABS fault, consult your Aston Martin Dealer immediately.
WARNING: If the ABS warning light illuminates, you should be aware that
wheels could lock during extreme braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
Take additional care to avoid the danger of wheels locking.
The Brake System Warning Light
The braking system is continuously monitored for fluid level.
If only the brake warning light illuminates, it indicates that the
brake fluid has fallen below the acceptable level. It is essential
that the braking system is checked immediately, preferably
by an Aston Martin Dealer.
WARNING: If the brake warning light illuminates, you should
immediately be prepared for possible increased stopping distances
and possible partial failure of the braking system.

C - Driving
1-C-23
The Handbrake (Parking Brake)
The handbrake lever is situated on the outside of the drivers seat. The
handbrake operates on brake drums within the rear wheel brake discs.
To engage the handbrake, pull up firmly on the lever without pressing the
release button. The handbrake ratchet will latch and the handbrake warning
light will illuminate. Note that this lamp is the only indication that the
handbrake is applied. The lever can then be lowered to its fully down
position.
To release the handbrake, pull up on the lever against spring pressure, press
and hold the lock release button whilst lowering the lever to its maximum
down position.
The handbrake warning light extinguishes when the handbrake is fully
released.
Caution: Always check that the warning lamp is correctly extinguished before moving
off. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle if the warning lamp remains on.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-5
Dangerous Substances
WARNING: Many liquids and other substances used in motor vehicles are
poisonous and should under no circumstances be consumed and should, so far
as possible, be kept from contact with the skin. These substances include battery
electrolyte, antifreeze, oil, brake and clutch fluid, petrol, windscreen washer
additives, lubricants, refrigerant and various adhesives. Particular care should
be taken to avoid unnecessary contact with used engine oil. Always read carefully
the instructions printed on labels or stamped on components and follow them
carefully. Such instructions are included for reasons of your health and personal
safety. Never disregard them. Dangerous substances should be kept out of reach
of children.
Engine Oils
WARNING: Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oils can cause
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and cancer. Avoid excessive contact,
wash thoroughly after contact. Keep out of reach of children. When your oil is
changed, be sure that it is done by an experienced person. In addition, observe
all laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and toxic fluids.
Protect The Environment
WARNING: It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses, or soil. Use authorised
waste disposal facilities, including civic amenity sites and garages providing
facilities for receipt of used oil. If in doubt, contact your local authority for advice.
Fuel Tank Filling
WARNING: Petrol is highly flammable and, in confined spaces, is also explosive
and toxic. In the event of spillage, switch off the engine, use no naked flame or
light. Do not smoke. Do not inhale fumes.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-6
Fluid Level Checks
Engine Bay Component Location (Right Hand Drive Illustrated)
1 Engine Oil Dipstick 2 Engine Coolant Header Tank
3 Engine Oil Filler Cap 4 Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
5 Brake Fluid Reservoir 6 Windscreen Washer Fluid Reservoir
7 Clutch Reservoir (Man) 8 Engine Bay Covers
Note: Items 5 &7 move to the left corner on left hand drive cars.
In the following descriptions, numbers in parenthesis, e.g. (1), refer to the
numbered items in the diagram and list above.
All directions are described as viewed from the driver's seat. Thus the oil filler cap
(item 3) is on the left side of the car, the brake fluid reservoir (item 5) is on the right
side of the car.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-11
Brake Fluid Reservoir
The brake fluid reservoir (5) is fitted to the driver's side of the engine
compartment on top of the brake master cylinder assembly.
Before removing the cap, clean the cap and the surrounding area thoroughly
to prevent ingress of dirt and foreign matter. Top up to the indicated level
on the reservoir with the recommended brake fluid (see 'Specifications') and
refit the cap securely.
Brake fluid will absorb water vapour and must be replaced every two years
in order to maintain the efficiency of the hydraulic system.
WARNINGS: Do not drive the vehicle if the brake fluid level is low. Use only new
DOT4 brake fluid from air tight containers.
Avoid touching the sides of the engine when working in the engine compartment.
The exhaust system will be hot if the engine has recently been run.
Caution: Take care that hydraulic fluid does not contact the paint work during the
topping up operation. Serious paint work damage can result. If a spillage does occur,
immediately flush the hydraulic fluid from the paint work with clean, fresh water and
then wipe with a clean damp cloth.