.WARNING
New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.
x New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 200 miles (320 km) and
must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting
more pressure on the brake pedal.
x Drive with extra CARe while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk
of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.
x Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might
require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.
.WARNING
Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances
considerably.
x When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed
and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use
engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could
overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle
down more or to stop.
x A damaged front spoiler or a non-standard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and
make them overheat.
.WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping
distances.
x CARefully apply the brakes to test them.
x Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake
applications when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
.WARNING
Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.
x If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more
pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.
.NOTICE
x Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to
brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes
will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause
complete brake system failure.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and
shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to
stop.
.When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the
same time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for
brake pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the
vehicle. If necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.
Braking assistance systems
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