Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
108
Handbrake
109WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the function of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the
functioning of the braking system – there is a risk of an accident.
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 113.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not
necessary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 108 first.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and
shift into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will
be used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be
completed intermittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv- ing style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 40,
Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.108Driving
Index
A
Abroad Driving abroad
118
Unleaded petrol118
ABS
120
Warning light42
Accessories132
Adjusting Belt height
15
Exterior mirrors68
Seat69
Steering wheel10
Adjusting the seats9
Aerial135
See windows138
Airbag16
Deactivating20
Deactivating the front passenger airbag21
Deployment17
Front airbag18
Head airbag19
Modifications and damage to the airbag system 134
Side airbag
19
Airbag system16
Air conditioning Operation
93
Air conditioning system Air outlets
90
Climatronic95
Manual air conditioning system93
Air outlets90
Alarm53
Anti-theft alarm system53
Operation53
Trailer131
Anti-theft wheel bolts169
Antilock Braking System120
Armrest86
Ashtray81
ASR120
warning light42
Assist systems ABS
42, 120
ASR42, 120
Cruise Control System121
EDL120
ESC42, 119
Parking aid120
START-STOP123
Audio see radio / navigation system
4
Auto Check Control38
Automatic gearbox Selector lever-emergency unlocking
112
Starting-off and driving112
Tiptronic111
Automatic load deactivation156
Automatic transmission110
Kickdown112
Malfunction112
Selector lever lock111
Using the selector lever110
AUX104
Avoiding damage to the vehicle Driving through water
117
Avoiding damage to your vehicle117
B
Ball head Check fitting
128
Fitting127
Ready position127
Removing128
Belts12
Belt tensioners15
Bicycle carrier78
Bonnet Closing146
Opening146
Boot Cover
75
Emergency unlocking55
Fastening elements74
Fixing nets75
Folding hooks74
see Boot lid55
Unlocking the boot lid55
Boot lid55
automatic locking55
Brake assist119
Brake booster108
Brake fluid152
Checking152
Display messages40
specification152
Brakes Brake booster
108
Brake fluid152
Handbrake109
Indicator light40
Running in113
Braking Information on braking
108
Button in the driver's door Electrical power windows
55
C
Car care
132
Jack138
Car computer see Multifunction display
33
Car park ticket holder83
Carrier80
Cavity protection138
Central locking button51
190Index