When the engine is off, no vacuum is created and each time you press the brake pedal, the additional braking force is reduced, so do not press the brake pedal unnecessarily.
In case of brake failure while driving, braking is permitted using the parking brake (see below).
Caution: Do not keep your foot on the brake pedal while the vehicle is moving, as this will cause the brakes to heat up and wear out prematurely, and will increase the braking distance. When driving downhill, do not use the brakes for too long, but instead use engine braking by downshifting. After washing the vehicle, driving in the rain, or driving through water, dry the brakes by lightly pressing the brake pedal and holding it until the brakes return to their normal efficiency.
The braking system is divided diagonally into two independent hydraulic circuits. If one of the circuits fails, (for example, as a result of a breach in sealing, this is felt by the softness of pressing the pedal) the second continues to function in normal mode, providing adequate braking of the car, but with an increased braking distance.
A low brake fluid level, as well as wear of the brake pads, is indicated by the corresponding indicator lamps in the instrument cluster coming on and the corresponding messages appearing on the display in the instrument cluster (see Section 13).
Anti-lock brake systems (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP) and their functions
The ABS system constantly monitors the rotation speed of the vehicle's wheels and prevents them from locking by repeatedly modulating the hydraulic pressure in the brake system. Thus, even with the brake pedal fully depressed, the vehicle remains controllable. The anti-lock system is activated automatically each time the ignition is turned on, which is confirmed by the corresponding K/L in the instrument cluster (see Section 13). After successfully passing the self-diagnosis, the ABS K/L turns off. If the K/L does not go out, then the ABS is faulty. In this case, the working brake system can function normally.
During ABS operation (this can be felt by the pulsation of the brake pedal) you should not change the pressure on the brake pedal, as this will prevent the ABS system from operating at maximum efficiency.
The following precautions should always be kept in mind:
- even with an ABS system, the car cannot be stopped instantly - keep a safe distance;
- always reduce speed when turning corners, as the ABS system cannot prevent an accident at high speeds;
- when driving on uneven roads/through puddles, braking with ABS may result in a longer braking distance than without ABS;
- do not neglect general road safety rules.
The ABS system is the basis for the vehicle's dynamic stability program (ESP). It recognizes driving conditions that lead to a decrease in stability (for example, if there are prerequisites for drift), and keeps the car on course by reducing engine torque and braking individual wheels.
Note: ESP cannot operate outside of physical limits, so do not rely on this function completely. If ABS malfunctions, ESP will be automatically disabled.
The ESP system is activated automatically each time the ignition is switched on, which is confirmed by the corresponding K/L in the instrument cluster (see Section 13). After successful self-diagnosis, the ESP K/L switches off. If a malfunction is detected, the ESP K/L does not go out, and a corresponding message may be displayed on the instrument cluster display (see Section 13), and the ESP system itself is switched off. Flashing of the K/L ESP indicates that this system is activated.
With ESP, there is an anti-slip regulation (ASR) function to prevent loss of traction (slippage) drive wheels with the road when starting off or accelerating. The ASR OFF function switch is located in the center console (24 in illustration 12.1) and is designed to forcibly turn off this function and then turn it on when the engine is running. Turning off the ASR function may be necessary when driving on deep snow or loose soil, as well as when releasing a stuck car by "rocking". As soon as the need to turn off the ASR function disappears, it should be turned on to ensure additional safety.
The distribution of braking forces between the wheels, depending on the vehicle load, is regulated by the corresponding function of the electronic differential lock (EDS), which also operates on the basis of ABS. In case of excessive load, the EDS can be switched off so that the brake mechanisms do not overheat, the function of emergency braking assistance (BAS) determines the moment of sharp braking by measuring the speed of pressing the pedal. As long as the pedal remains pressed, the system ensures maximum braking efficiency.
The emergency brake assist function can reduce the braking distance in critical situations.
Hill Start Assist (anti-rollback system, NNS) facilitates acceleration when driving uphill. The system maintains the braking pressure created by pressing the brake pedal for approximately 2 seconds after releasing the brake pedal. The driver can therefore remove his foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start driving uphill without using the parking brake. The braking pressure is gradually reduced as the accelerator pedal is pressed. If the car does not move within two seconds, it will begin to roll back. The anti-rollback system is active starting from a 5% incline if the driver's door is closed. The system operates both forward and reverse when driving uphill. The system does not operate when driving downhill.
Parking brake
The parking brake lever is located between the front seats. To set the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and pull the lever up; to release the parking brake, depress the brake pedal, press the button on the end of the lever, pulling it up slightly, and then lower the lever.
Note: Do not use the transmission in gear instead of the parking brake.
When stopping on an incline, park your car as close to the sidewalk or curb as possible and turn the wheels toward the center of the road so that if the car accidentally moves backwards, the front wheels will hit the curb.
When stopping on a downhill slope, park your car as close to the sidewalk or curb as possible and turn the wheels toward the curb so that if the car accidentally moves forward, the front wheels will hit the curb.
Check the brake system K/L every time the engine is started (see Section 13) - when the parking brake is engaged, K/L should light up, and after releasing it, K/L should go out. If you start driving with the parking brake engaged, after three seconds of driving at a speed of more than 6 km/h, an audible signal is given, and the message "Release the handbrake!" may appear on the instrument cluster display