Intelligent technology203
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The 
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
•When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs, 
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other 
road users. Risk of accident.•Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is 
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.Caution
•Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is 
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed 
and change to a lower gear (or move the gear lever to a lower gear position if 
your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine braking 
and prolongs the service life of the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, 
it is better to brake firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.Note
•If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehicle 
has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder 
to make up for the lack of servo assistance.•If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler or 
wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not 
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat.
Power steering (servotronic*)
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel 
when the engine is running.Power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the 
steering wheel. In cars equipped with servotronic* power steering the degree 
of power assistance is regulated  electronically according to road speed.
The power  steering will keep on working even if the  servotronic* device fails. 
The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to different 
speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly, this is 
most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for instance 
when parking), as more effor t will be required than usual. The fault should be 
corrected by a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
Power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering 
wheel requires much more force to turn.
If the steering is held at its  turning limit when the vehicle is stationary, this 
will place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the 
steering wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise. It 
will also reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
When the engine is running, do not turn the steering wheel to its limit for 
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power 
steering.
Note
•If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off 
(for instance when being towed), the vehicle can still be steered. However, 
more effort will be required to turn the steering wheel.•If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the vehicle to a 
specialised workshop as soon as possible.
Altea_EN.book  Seite 203  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14