Rules for using the brake system
Vacuum brake booster
- The vacuum booster reduces the force on the brake pedal by using vacuum in the engine intake system. If the engine stops or the accessory drive belt breaks, the vehicle can still be stopped by pressing the brake pedal. However, you will need to apply much more force to the brake pedal, and the braking distance will increase.
- If the engine does not work or stalls while the vehicle is moving, the brake booster does not operate. The force on the brake pedal required to stop the car will increase.
Water getting into the brakes
- When washing a car or driving on a wet road, water may enter the brake mechanisms and, as a result of reduced brake efficiency, the braking distance will increase. In addition, when braking, the car may pull to the side.
- To dry the brakes, you need to drive at low speed while pressing the brake pedal. This technique allows you to restore braking efficiency. Do not reach high speeds until the braking systems are fully effective.
Using the Brake System
- While driving, do not keep your foot on the brake pedal. This will lead to overheating of the brakes, premature wear of the brake pads and increased fuel consumption. To reduce brake pad wear and prevent brake overheating, it is recommended to reduce vehicle speed and shift into lower gears before driving down a steep slope or on a long incline. Overheating of the brakes leads to reduced braking efficiency and may result in loss of vehicle controllability.
Climbing
- When starting off on a steep hill, it can sometimes be difficult to operate both the brake pedal and the clutch pedal at the same time (for vehicles with manual transmission). To hold the vehicle in place, use the parking brake. Avoid excessive clutch slipping. When ready to start driving, slowly release the parking brake lever while simultaneously pressing the accelerator pedal and releasing the clutch pedal.
Moving downhill
- Engine braking allows you to effectively maintain a safe vehicle speed when driving downhill.
- The manual transmission lever must be placed in a low enough gear to provide effective engine braking.
- For vehicles with automatic transmission or CVT, select manual gear shift mode or L position (if available).
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
The ABS system, by controlling the braking of each wheel, helps prevent wheel locking during emergency braking of the vehicle, as well as during service braking on a slippery road surface. ABS monitors the rotation speed of each wheel and regulates the brake fluid pressure in the brake mechanisms so that the wheels do not lock or slip. Preventing wheel locking when braking on slippery surfaces helps maintain vehicle controllability and allows the driver to control the vehicle's directional movement using the steering to reduce the vehicle's turn and lateral movement.
Braking a car with ABS
Press the brake pedal and keep it pressed. Press the brake pedal firmly and confidently, but not «download» pedal. The ABS system will function to prevent wheel locking. You can maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.
ABS system self-diagnosis tools
The ABS system includes electronic sensors, electric pumps, solenoid-controlled hydraulic valves and an electronic control module. Diagnosis of system malfunctions is performed by the control unit each time the engine is started while the vehicle is moving at low speed forward or backward. During this self-diagnosis, you may hear a characteristic noise and/or feel a slight pulsation on the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a system malfunction. If the electronic control unit detects a malfunction, it disables the anti-lock braking system and turns on the ABS malfunction indicator lamp located on the instrument panel. The brake system remains fully operational. However, the system will not be able to prevent the wheels from locking when braking. If the indicator lights up during self-diagnosis or while driving, contact a service station to have the ABS checked and repaired.
Normal system operation
- The ABS system operates at speeds above 5-10 km/h. The speed at which the system turns off may vary depending on road conditions.
- If the system detects that one or more wheels are close to locking, the actuator begins to rapidly reduce and increase brake line pressure. This action is similar to pressing and releasing the brake pedal very quickly many times. Typically, when the ABS system is activated, a slight vibration is felt on the brake pedal, which is accompanied by a characteristic noise from the modulator located under the hood. This is a normal phenomenon and indicates that the system is working properly. However, pedal pulsation may indicate hazardous road conditions and extra caution should be used when driving.