2007 SKODA OCTAVIA tyre pressure

Contents
4
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill-Start off-Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detachable towing device* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the
vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car) .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the regulations
(99/100/EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 l/75 kW - EU 4, EU 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 l/85 kW FSI - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8 l/118 kW TFSI - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/110 kW FSI - EU 4, EU 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./147 kW - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.9 l/77 kW TDI PD - EU 4, EU 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/103 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/100 kW TDI PD - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/125 kW TDI PD DPF - EU 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
159
160
162
163
163
165
167
169
171
173
173
176
179
180
181
181
181
184
185
185
185
186
186
187
188
189
189
190
190
194
194
195 196
196
198
199
199
199
199
204
206
206
206
207
209
209
212
214
217
218
221
223
223
229
229
229
231
231
231
231
231
232
232
233233
238
239
243
243
248
255
255
255
255
255
255
255
256
257
258
260
262
264
266
268
270
272
274
276
279
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 4 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Cockpit
8
Cockpit
Overview
This general view is designed to help you to quickly become familiar
with the instruments, gauges and controls.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher
− Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel:
− with horn
− with driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− with pushbuttons for radio and mobile phone* . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument cluster: Instruments and in dicator lights . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
− Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio*
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for the front passenger ai rbag* (in front passenger stowage
compartment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse box (on side of dash panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Control dial for the instrument ligh
ting and control dial for the head-
light beam range regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the driver's side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Switch for the ESP* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Switch for TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front and rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (6-speed automatic gearbox)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Selector lever (automatic DSG)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
− Rear ashtray - high centre console* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
− Storage compartment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* . .
Note
•Equipment which is marked * is only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
•Vehicles with factory-fitted radio, mobi le phone, navigation system, CD player
etc. are supplied with separate inst ructions for operating such equipment.
A145
A265
A3102
A4
56
123
A5
165
138
A610
A7
14
61
A875
A9102
A1055
A1191
A12
A1375
A1490
A15172
A16165
A17243
A1851
A1954, 55
A20209
A2191
A22116
A23117
A24
100
103
108
A25
181
183
A26122
A27
119
127
133
A28187
A29
88
89
A30172
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 8 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights25
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk
of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenis hing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 210.
Note
•Arrangement of the indicator lights de pends on the model and model version.
The symbols shown in the following function al description are to be found as indi-
cator lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. This does
not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the
turn signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system ⇒page 56.
Airbag system⇒page 28
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 28
Brake pad wear*⇒page 29
Fluid level in windshield washer system*⇒page 29
Fuel reserve⇒page 29
Engine oil pressure⇒page 29
Bonnet⇒page 30
Open door*⇒page 30
Engine oil level*⇒page 30
Tyre pressure*⇒page 30
Selector lever lock*⇒page 31
*Speed regulating system*⇒page 31
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 31
Traction control system (TCS)⇒page 31
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 32
Dynamo⇒page 32
Brake system⇒page 32
Seat belt warning light*⇒page 33
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 25 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
30
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
STOP! Oil Pressure Engine off! Owner's manual
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒ page 55.
•The red oil pressure light  is not an oil level indicator! One should
therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refu-
eling stop.
Bonnet 
The warning light  comes on if the bonnet is unlocked.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light goes out about 15 seconds after locking the vehicle.
Open door* 
The warning light  comes on if one or several door s are opened or if the boot lid
is opened.
The warning light on vehicles fitted wi th information display comes on when
switching the ignition off. The warning li ght goes out about 15 seconds after locking
the vehicle.
The warning light on vehicles fitted wi th information display goes out after
switching the ignition off.
Engine oil level* 
Warning light  lights up
If the warning light
 lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up ⇒page 213 with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds. If
no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal
and the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switched
on.
In this case have the engine inspecte d without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Oil sensor workshop!
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light  lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure in
one of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the
inflation pressure in the tyres ⇒page 223.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage
and have the fault rectified.
Further information about tyre pressure-control system ⇒page 187.
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 30 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•When the warning light  lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake mano euvres. Please stop the vehicle
without delay at the nearest possible stop and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressures.
•Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or
unpaved roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at
all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching
on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Selector lever lock* 
If the warning light  lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in order
to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Cruise control system* *
The warning light  lights up, when operating the speed regulating system.
Antilock brake system (ABS) 
The warning light  shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched
on or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed.
A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning pr operly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the ignition, does not light up at all or lights up while driving. The vehicle will only be
braked by the normal brake system. Visit
a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving in the
meantime since you will not know how great the damage is.
Three additional warning tones will sound if there is a major fault in the ABS.
Further information about ABS ⇒page 185, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light  (handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in
another part of the brake system ⇒.
WARNING
•If the brake system warning light  comes on together with the ABS
warning light  stop the vehicle immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir ⇒page 217, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact
a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assistance.
•Pay attention to the following instructions ⇒ page 210, “Working in the
engine compartment” before checking the brake fluid level and opening the
bonnet.
•If the brake fluid is at the correct level, the ABS control function has
failed. The rear wheels may then block very rapidly when braking. In certain
circumstances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk
of skidding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the
fault rectified.
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 31 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Seats and Stowage
76
Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING
•Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the brake
system.
•Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in the area
of the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be fully depressed and
are able to return unobstructed to their initial position - risk of accident!
•There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the pedals.
You would then no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or
accelerator - risk of accident!
luggage compartment
Loading the luggage compartment
Please observe the following in the inte rest of having good handling char-
acteristics of your vehicle:
– Distribute the items of luggage as evenly as possible.
– Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.
– Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or the safety net* ⇒page 77.
In the event of an accident, there is such a high kinetic energy which is produced by
small and light objects that they can caus e severe injuries. The magnitude of the
kinetic energy depends on the speed at wh ich the vehicle is travelling and on the
weight of the object. The speed at which the vehicle is travelling is in this case the
more significant factor.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an unsecured
object with a weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times
its own weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg. You can imagine the injuries that can occur, if this
“bullet” is flying through the interior
compartment and hits an occupant.
WARNING
•Store the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the
lashing eyes.
•Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be thrown forward
during a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and can injure the
occupants or other oncoming traffic. This risk is still increased, if the objects
which are flying around are hit by a depl oyed airbag. In this case, the objects
which are thrown back can injure the occupants - hazard.
•Please note that the handling properti es of your vehicle may be affected
when transporting heavy objects as a result of the displacement of the
centre of gravity. The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accord-
ingly.
•The items carried in the luggage compar tment should be stored in such
a way that no objects are able to slip forward if there are any sudden driving
or braking manoeuvres undertaken - risk of injury!
•Never drive with the boot lid fully opened or slightly ajar otherwise
exhaust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle - risk of poisoning!
•On no account exceed the permissible axle loads and the permissible
gross weight of the vehicle - risk of accident!
•Never transport occupants in the luggage compartment!
Caution
Please ensure that the heating elements of the rear window heater are not
damaged as a result of objects sliding in this area.
Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load ⇒page 223, fig. 204 .
NKO A5 20 MR08.book Page 76 Wednesday, April 11, 2007 2:54 PM

Passive Safety
154
Before setting off
The driver is always fully respon sible for his occupants and for the
operating safety of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please pay
attention to the following points before setting off:
•Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
•Inspect the tyre inflation pressure.
•Ensure that all the windows offer a good visibility to the outside.
•Safely attach the items of luggage ⇒page 76, “Loading the luggage compart-
ment”.
•Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedal.
•Adjust the mirror, the front seat and the head restraint to match your body size.
•Point out to your occupants that the head restraints must be adjusted to match
their body size.
•Protect the children in suitable child se ats with correctly fastened seat belts
⇒ page 173, “Transporting children safely”.
•Adopt the correct seated position ⇒page 155, “Correct seated position”. Also
inform your occupants to adopt the correct seated position.
•Fasten the seat belt correctly. Also inform your occupants to properly fasten the
seat belts ⇒page 160, “How are seat belts correctly fastened?”.
What influences the driving safety?
The driving safety is primarily dete rmined by the style of driving and
the personal behaviour of all the occupants.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving safety is
effected, you place yourself and the oncomi ng traffic at risk. Please refer to the
following guidelines.
•Do not get distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g. by your
occupants or mobile phone calls.
•Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. through medication,
alcohol, drugs.
•Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
•Adjust the driving speed at all times to the road condition as well as to the traffic
and weather conditions.
•Take regular breaks on long journe ys - at the latest every two hours.
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Intelligent Technology185
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes
. Any additional braking should be done
intermittently, no t continuously.
Note
The hazard warning light system is switched on automatically in case of an emer-
gency braking at speeds greater than 60 km /h. The hazard warning light system is
switched off automatically after accelerating or driving off again.
Brake booster
The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal.
The necessary pressure is only gene rated when the engine is running.
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significan tly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle.
Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain
optimal steering ability even during a fu ll brake application on a slippery road
surface because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the br aking distance will be shorter under all
circumstances as a result of the ABS. Th e braking distance for example on gravel
and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be
longer. Operating principle
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is
too low for the speed of the vehicle and tend
ing to lock. This control cycle is notice-
able from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by
noises. This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that
the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake
pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this
braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
WARNING
•The ABS can also not overcome the physic al limits of your vehicle. Please
do not forget this, particularly when driv ing on icy or wet road surfaces. If the
ABS is operating within the control ra nge, adapt your speed immediately to
the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased
safety offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than
otherwise - risk of an accident!
•The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a specialist garage as quickly as po ssible and adjust your style of driving
to take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know how
great the damage is.
Note
•A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system ⇒page 31.
•Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-
ment of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the ABS ⇒page 229,
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.
Brake Assist*
During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases
the braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure
required in the brake system.
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