469
uuBraking uBrake System
Driving
Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A vacuum power assist 
helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pe dal. The brake assist system increases 
the stopping force when you depress the brake pedal hard in an emergency 
situation. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when 
braking very hard.
2 Brake Assist System  P. 471
2 Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)  P. 470
■Foot Brake1Foot Brake
Check the brakes after driving through deep water, 
or if there is a buildup of road surface water. If 
necessary, dry the brakes by  lightly depressing the 
pedal several times.
If you hear a continuous me tallic friction sound when 
applying the brakes, this is  caused by the brake wear 
indicator rubbing on the  brake rotor and indicates 
that the brake pads need to be replaced. Have the 
vehicle checked by a deal er. If you hear only an 
occasional squeak or squeal  when you initially apply 
the brake pedal, this may be normal and caused by 
high frequency vibr ation of the brake pads against 
the rotating brake disc.
Constantly using the brake pedal while going down a 
long hill builds up heat, which reduces the brake 
effectiveness. Apply engine  braking by taking your 
foot off the accelerator pe dal and downshifting to a 
lower gear.
Do not rest your foot  on the brake pedal while 
driving, as it will lightly  apply the brakes and cause 
them to lose effectiveness  over time and reduce pad 
life. It will also conf use drivers behind you. 
524
uuChecking and Maintaining Tires uWinter Tires
Maintenance
Winter Tires
If driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount all season marked “M+S” tires, snow 
tires, or tire chains; reduce speed; and ma intain sufficient distance between vehicles 
when driving.
Be particularly careful when operating  the steering wheel or brakes to prevent 
skidding.
Use tire chains, snow tires, or all season ti res when necessary or according to the law.
When mounting, refer to  the following points.
For winter tires:
• Select the size and load ranges that  are the same as the original tires.
• Mount the tires to all four wheels.
For tire chains:
• Install them on the front tires only.
• Because your vehicle has limited tire cl earance, we strongly recommend using the 
chains listed below:
• Follow the chain manufacturer’s instruction when installing. Mount them as 
tightly as you can.
• Check that the chains do not to uch the brake lines or suspension.
• Drive slowly.
Cable-type: SCC Super Z LT-ZT735
1Winter Tires
NOTICE
Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly 
installed can damage your  vehicle’s brake lines, 
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are 
hitting any part  of the vehicle.
When tire chains are mounted, follow the chain 
manufacturer’s instructi ons regarding vehicle 
operational limits.
If your vehicle is equipp ed with summer tires, be 
aware that these tires are not designed for winter 
driving conditions. For more information, contact a 
dealer.
3WARNING
Using the wrong chains, or not properly 
installing chains, can damage the brake 
lines and cause a crash in which you can be 
seriously injured or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner’s 
manual regarding the selection and use of 
tire chains.