Starting the vehicle AUDI A4 2021 Owner´s Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: AUDI, Model Year: 2021, Model line: A4, Model: AUDI A4 2021Pages: 304, PDF Size: 107.89 MB
Page 4 of 304
Table of contents
About this Owner's Manual......
SUMIMAry: < = exe : eens: Seen cs sens
QutckeaeCe ssh: «i esis se ois a eaves @
Cockpit. ...... 0... eee eee eee eee
Indicator lights overview...........4..
Display and operation...........
Instrument cluster...............
Instrument cluster overview...........
Operating. ecccuse w+ were oo wens oo ayes 9 ¥
Adjusting the display.................
Coolant temperature display...........
Tachometer’ series i ewe so snes ¥ & ome
Odometer.............. cee eee eee ee
Outside temperature display...........
Engine oil temperature indicator.......
Boost indicator...............0--000.
Vehicle functions...............-----
Touch display.....................
General touch display operation........
Multi Media Interface................
Head-up display..................
DeSeriptions: s wees « x wows ¢ cess so eee
Voice recognition system........
Generalinformation.................
DeSeriptions. «+ seams x x arucsms x 0 seine oo coer
External voice operation..............
Global FUNGtHIONS:. icc: 5 6 ese. 6 6 sce
Additional function buttons...........
Starting and driving.............
Personalization..................
Opening and closing.............
Central locking..............00-e eee
Child safety lock.............00.-000
Power WindOWSic« s < sews ys wey 5 2 em 5
Sliding/tilting:SUNTOOF escinie os wise a 6 soe
Panoramic glass roof.................
NOD
OO
12 12 12
13
13
14 14
15
15
15
15
16 17 17 19
Z5
25
26 26 26 27
29;
29
30 30 30
33
33)
37
40
44
45
46 47
Valetiparking = s ss-e «x cscs ov cree a ¥ os 48
Garage door opener..........--.00 eee 48
Lights and Vision................. 51
Exterior lighting...................4. 51
Interior liQhting ss =e aves ss eews so eos 54
ViSIOMsn « 3 ses 3 3 ema oo wena vo ae © ove 55
Windshield wipers.............-..45- 58
Digital compass.............-.-0000- 61
Sitting correctly and safely...... 63
Correct passenger seating position...... 63
Frontseats:: » ssw. « ¢ sews & » saws +s ewe < 63
Steering wheel seis < «cies ¥ eerie ss eee 66
Head restraints.................0000. 67
Safety Beltsi: s sass x eeups ¢ < saves 2 e cee 68
Memory function . « scons ecw ee cro ee 71
Airbag system... ... 2.62... 0 ee eee eee 7X
Child safety seats.................04- 76
Storage and convenience........ 82
POWErSOURCES coisa gs seen ss wae se aes 82
Gup holders. ¢ ssn ss wee 2 2 see 2 & pee 82
Storage and compartments............ 83
Luggage compartment............... 83
ROOF hacks « = weies x = wae 2 s eae 2 & ween 2 88
Warm and cold................... 90
Climate control system............... 90
3-zone deluxe automatic climate control. 91
Steering wheel heating............... 93
Fluids in the A/C system. .........0065 93
Driving .............. 0.0... eee eee 95
Starting the vehicle...............0.0. 95
When driving isis ss iovsvie se aerswce oo anes oe 96
Drive system... 2.2... ee eee eee eee 101
Start/Stop system .........ee cece eee 102
BrakeS's so isemi 2 wane w aman a 2 oer as ie 104
Electromechanical parking brake....... 106
Special driving situations.............. 107
Driving: dynamic. . « sic. 6 6 see a 6 se 110
Audi drive select..................00. 110
SUSPENSION es « + exes ¢ ¢ eres +o ees vv eae 111
SUECOMIING 6 vessse oo csisweue io & stone 6 a toma ww Bs Lid
Page 9 of 304
8W1012721BC
Quick access
@9 Center armrest with storage com-
partment. Depending on vehicle
equipment, it may have:
— Audi music interface .......... 202
—Audi phone box ............... 164
— Starting the engine if there is a
MALFUMERION since oo sxosoue x 2 seems ss 95
@) Electromechanical parking brake
BUGGOT sieves so cman « 2 ewes 2s men 2 106
@) Selector lever (automatic transmis-
SIOM) seo so neon & v Howe & eRe Fa 97
@3 Storage compartment .......... 83
@ [START ENGINE STOP]button .... 95
@3) Audi music interface ............ 202
@@ Steering wheel adjustment ...... 66
@) Lever for:
— Cruise control system ......... 127
— Audi adaptive cruise control .... 130
® Button for switching the head-up
display on and off, adjusting the
height ........ 2... cee eee eee 25
@ Instrument illumination ......... 55
60) Connection port for the On Board
Diagnostic System (OBD) ........ 277
@) Headlight control switch ........ 51
@ Hood release ...............0-. 222
63 All-weather lights button ........ 51
@4 Luggage compartment lid button . 40
@5) Exterior mirror adjustment ...... 55
68 Buttons for:
— Power windows ...........00. 45
—Child safety lock .............. 44
@) Tips
Some the equipment listed here is only instal-
led in certain models or is available as an op-
tion.
Indicator lights overview
The indicator lights in the instrument cluster
blink or turn on. They indicate functions or mal-
functions. Some warning and indicator lights
turn on when you switch the ignition on and must
turn off when the drive system is switched on or
while driving.
With some indicator lights, messages may ap-
pear and warning signals may sound. The indica-
tor lights and messages may be covered by other
displays. To show them again, select the second
tab for messages with the multifunction steering
wheel > page 13.
Some indicator lights in the display can display in
several colors.
OMe eee any
If the wA or N indicator light turns on, check
the message in the instrument cluster.
The following indicator lights may be available,
depending on the vehicle equipment:
Red indicator lights
Central indicator light
=> page 7,
Instrument cluster
=>page 12
Cooling system
> page 14,
=> page 227,
=> page 227
Safety belt
=> page 70
Transmission
= page 100
Drive system
= page 102,
Electrical system
=> page 230
Brake system
=>page
105,
=>page 229,
Electromechanical parking brake
=> page 107 >
Page 21 of 304
8W1012721BC
Touch display
> Press the General button.
> If the Date & time button is not displayed,
swipe upward or downward with one finger un-
tilit appears.
> Press the Date & time button.
(i) Tips
If a menu or symbol is in parentheses in the
path, for example, (General) or ({2), then it is
an optional menu item that does not need to
be used in every system.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen:
SETTINGS > Display & Brightness > MMI.
Possible settings:
— Brightness
— Touchscreen feedback
Multi Media Interface
ce mle)
Audi recommends performing certain Infotain-
ment system functions, such as entering a desti-
nation, only when the vehicle is stationary. Al-
ways be prepared to stop operating the Infotain-
ment system in the interest of your safety and
the safety of other road users.
ZX WARNING
Only use the Infotainment system when road,
traffic, weather, and visibility conditions per-
mit and always in a way that allows you to
maintain complete control over your vehicle.
G) Tips
Certain functions are not available while driv-
ing.
Scale Romeo
Switching the MMI on or off
> To switch the MMI off, press and hold the
On/Off knob > page 29, fig. 22 until all Info-
tainment functions are switched off.
> To switch the MMI on, press the On/Off knob.
Restarting the MMI
> Press and hold the On/Off knob for at least 10
seconds.
Switching the center display on or off
> To switch the center display on or off, press the
fo] button in the center console above the se-
lector lever, or
> To switch the center display off, press [Jin the
notification center > page 22.
> To switch the center display on, touch the dis-
play or press {oJ again.
Introduction
You can display and operate Infotainment system
and vehicle functions using the touch display in
the Multi Media Interface, abbreviated MMI.
Configuration wizard
After starting for the first time, the configuration
wizard helps you to set up the vehicle, for exam-
ple to set the desired system language and con-
nect
a telephone.
> Follow the instructions in the center display.
>» Applies to: MMI: To access the configuration
wizard at a later time, select on the home
screen: HELP > Configuration wizard.
Tool tips
You can have tool tips displayed if necessary.
They introduce various MMI functions to you.
>» Applies to: MMI: To open the tool tips, select on
the home screen: HELP > Tool tips > Basic in-
formation or Expert information.
> Follow the instructions in the display.
19
Page 52 of 304
Opening and closing
» Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Garage door
opener.
> Press the button for the system that you would
like to synchronize.
> Follow the instructions in the MMI.
Renaming programmed systems
You can rename the programmed systems indi-
vidually (names may have a maximum of 10 char-
acters).
» Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Garage door
opener.
> Press the Z button.
> Press the 7 button for the system that you
would like to rename.
> Select: Rename. If necessary, delete the preset
name, such as Garage door opener 1.
> Follow the instructions in the MMI.
Location pairing
Applies to: vehicles with location pairing
For easier operation, you can program your sys-
tem's location.
Requirements: the respective hand transmitter
must be programmed > page 49 and the vehicle
must be located in front of the system.
» Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Garage door
opener.
> Press the Z button.
> Press the / button for the system your vehicle
is facing.
> Select: Location pairing.
> Follow the instructions in the MMI.
Only a maximum of three systems can be dis-
played in the notification center > page 22. If
you would like to have all systems displayed,
press aa.
Deleting programmed systems
The programmed systems can be deleted individ-
ually or all at once.
sO
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Garage door
opener.
> Press the Z button.
> To delete an individual system, press the L]
button for the desired system. If the checkmark
Y is set, select: Delete.
> To delete all systems, select: All > Delete.
G) Tips
— Make sure the batteries in the hand trans-
mitter are charged before starting the pro-
gramming process.
— The programming process may take up to
30 seconds. It may be necessary for the
hand transmitter to be pressed again in the
meantime.
— The garage door opener may need to be
synchronized with the system after pro-
gramming. Follow the manufacturer's in-
structions for doing this.
G) Tips
In some cases, the system may need to be
programmed in a different mode (“D mode”).
— Switch the ignition on.
— Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Garage
door opener.
— Press and hold the desired button @).
— Select Yes, in D mode and follow the in-
structions on the MMI.
Page 97 of 304
8W1012721BC
Driving
Driving
Starting the vehicle
(eta
Applies to: vehicles with convenience key
Fig. 93 Center console: starting the engine
Requirement: the key must be in the vehicle.
Starting the engine
> Press and hold the brake pedal.
> Press the [START ENGINE STOP] button. The
engine will start.
Equipment that uses a lot of electricity is switch-
ed off temporarily when you start the engine. If
the engine does not start immediately, the start-
ing procedure stops automatically after a short
time. If this is the case, repeat the starting pro-
cedure after approximately 30 seconds.
Stopping the engine
> Bring the vehicle to a full stop.
> Press the [START ENGINE STOP] button. The
engine will switch off.
Applies to: vehicles with steering lock: The steer-
ing is locked when you turn off the engine and
open the driver's door. The steering lock helps
prevent vehicle theft. “P” must be engaged on
vehicles with an automatic transmission.
Stopping the engine in an emergency
If necessary in an emergency, the engine can also
be stopped while driving using the emergency off
function*.
> Press the [START ENGINE STOP] button twice in
a row or press and hold it one time.
Switching on and off
If you would like to switch the ignition on or off
without starting the engine, follow these steps:
> Press the [START ENGINE STOP] button without
pressing the brake pedal.
Switching the ignition off automatically
To prevent the vehicle battery from draining, the
ignition and possibly the exterior lighting may
switch off automatically.
Requirements:
— The Start/Stop system must have stopped the
engine.
— You must have left the vehicle for longer than
30 seconds.
— The ignition must be switched on.
Among other indicators, the system detects that
you have left the vehicle based on the following
factors:
— The driver's door has been opened.
— The driver's safety belt has been unbuckled.
— The brake pedal is not being pressed.
The ignition will also be switched off after 30 mi-
nutes or if you lock the vehicle from the outside.
Z\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of asphyxiation, never al-
low the engine to run in confined spaces.
— Never turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. Switching it
off before the vehicle has stopped may im-
pair the function of the brake booster and
power steering. You would then need to use
more force to steer and brake the vehicle.
The fact that you cannot steer and brake as
usual may increase the risk of accidents and
serious injuries.
— Secure the vehicle against rolling before ex-
iting the vehicle > page 96.
CG) Note
— Avoid high engine speed, full throttle, and
heavy engine load if the engine has not
reached operating temperature yet. You
could damage the engine.
95
Page 98 of 304
Driving
— If the engine has been under heavy load for
an extended period of time, heat builds up
in the engine compartment after the engine
is switched off and there is a risk of damag-
ing the engine. For this reason, let the en-
gine run at idle for approximately two mi-
nutes before shutting it off.
G) Tips
— Brief noises are normal when starting and
stopping the vehicle and are no cause for
concern.
— For up to 10 minutes after stopping the en-
gine, the radiator fan may turn on again au-
tomatically or it may continue to run, even if
the ignition is switched off.
— It may not be possible to start the vehicle in
extremely low temperatures.
— Power will be fully available once the engine
is at operating temperature.
Messages
= Engine start system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
There is a malfunction in the engine start system.
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
B Remote control key: key not detected. Is the
key
still in the vehicle?
The vehicle key was removed from the vehicle
while the engine is running. If the vehicle key is
no longer in the vehicle, you cannot switch the ig-
nition on or start the engine once you stop it. You
also cannot lock the vehicle from the outside.
Remote control key: hold back of key
against the designated area. See owner's man-
ual
The battery in the vehicle key may be drained or
there may be a malfunction. To start the vehicle,
you must also hold the vehicle key against the lo-
cation shown ?) > page 95, fig. 93.
If the malfunction remains, drive immediately to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
96
Service Facility to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
When driving
Starting to drive, stopping, and parking
Starting from a stop
> Press and hold the brake pedal.
> Start the engine.
> Select a gear.
> Release the parking brake.
> Release the brake pedal. The vehicle may roll.
> Press the accelerator pedal to accelerate.
Securing the vehicle against rolling
Secure your vehicle to prevent it from rolling be-
fore exiting the vehicle.
> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” selector lever position.
> If parking on a steep road, turn the steering
wheel so that your vehicle will roll against the
curb in case it should start to move.
If one of these measures is not possible, for ex-
ample because there is no vehicle power, you
must secure your vehicle against rolling using ad-
ditional measures.
> Only park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Use suitable objects to block the front and rear
wheels.
Set the parking brake before selecting the “P” se-
lector lever position. This prevents too much
stress from being placed on the locking mecha-
nism when parking on a steep surface.
ZA WARNING
— Always set the parking brake when leaving
your vehicle, even if for a short period of
time. If the parking brake is not set, the ve-
hicle could roll away, increasing the risk of
an accident.
— Do not leave your vehicle unattended while
the engine is running, because this increases
the risk of an accident.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident, >
Page 103 of 304
8W1012721BC
Driving
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. You may continue driving. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility soon to have the malfunction corrected.
[@] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. Please contact
Service
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
[@] Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving with limited function. No reverse
gear
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. This mode only shifts into certain gears or
may no longer shift at all. The engine may stall.
You cannot engage the reverse gear. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
& Transmission: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving in D until engine is off
There is a system malfunction in the transmis-
sion. The transmission is switching to emergency
mode. If you turn the engine off, you will not be
able to select any other gears after restarting the
engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
fal Danger of rolling away! P not possible.
Please apply parking brake
— The parking lock was released using the emer-
gency release > page 100. Or
— The parking lock can no longer be engaged.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected. Secure the vehicle
against rolling before exiting the vehicle
=> page 96.
fs} Selector lever: malfunction! Gear change on-
ly possible if using both shift paddles.
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. You can continue driving with restricted func-
tion. The selector lever is not working. Gears can
only be selected by tapping both shift paddles at
the same time when the vehicle is stationary. The
“P” gear is automatically engaged when you turn
off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
fs] Selector lever: malfunction! You can contin-
ue driving. Please contact Service
There is a system malfunction in the selector lev-
er. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
fs} P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine
off. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the "P" button on the
selector lever. The “P” gear is automatically en-
gaged when you turn off the engine. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Move selector lever to automatic position
There is a malfunction in the tiptronic mode. End
tiptronic mode by pushing the selector lever to
the left into the "D/S" position.
Drive system
A new vehicle must be broken in within the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km) so that all moving parts
work smoothly together, which helps to increase
the service life of the engine and other drive com-
ponents.
Do not drive higher than two-thirds of the maxi-
mum permitted engine RPM during the first 600
miles (1,000 km) and do not use full accelera-
tion. The engine can be increased RPM gradually
during the next 300 miles (500 km).
101
Page 104 of 304
Driving
ient and environmentally-friendly
9g
Your driving style greatly influences the amount
of fuel and energy consumed, the environmental
impact, and the wear on the engine, brakes, and
tires. Note the following information for efficient
and environmentally-conscious driving:
— Turn off electrical equipment that is not need-
ed, for example seat heating*.
— Anticipate upcoming traffic situations while
driving to avoid unnecessary acceleration and
braking.
— Avoid driving at high speeds.
— Avoid adding extra weight to the vehicle if pos-
sible, for example by not leaving roof racks or
bike racks installed when they are not needed.
— Make sure the tire pressure is correct.
— Have maintenance performed regularly on the
vehicle.
— Do not let the engine run while the vehicle
parked.
— Do not drive with winter tires during the summ-
er.
— Use the Start/Stop system.
— Utilize the engine braking effect.
— Avoid driving short distances when possible.
@® Tips
The amount of noise produced by the vehicle
can increase significantly when driving with a
sporty style. Show respect to others around
you and the environment with the way you op-
erate your vehicle, especially at night.
ME ey
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent ener-
gy management system for distributing electrici-
ty. This significantly improves the starting ability
and increases the vehicle battery life.
@) Tips
— If you drive short distances frequently, the
vehicle battery may not charge enough
while driving. As a result, convenience func-
tions for electrical equipment may be tem-
porarily unavailable.
102
— The vehicle battery will gradually drain if
the vehicle is not driven for long periods of
time, or if electrical equipment is used
when the engine is not running. To ensure
that the vehicle can still be started, the
electrical equipment will be limited or
switched off.
I Cr Te (1
B Drive system: malfunction! Safely stop vehi-
cle
There is a malfunction in the drive system. The
brake
booster and the power steering may stop
working. Stop the vehicle immediately or as soon
as possible and do not continue driving. Secure
the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehi-
cle > page 96. Have the problem corrected by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
B Drive system: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the drive system. Drive
slowly to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Start/Stop system
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
The Start/Stop system can help increase fuel
economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
In Start/Stop mode, the engine shuts off auto-
matically when stopped, for example at a traffic
light. If certain conditions are met, the engine
may stop before the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop. If you press the accelerator pedal
when this happens, the engine will start and driv-
ing power will be transmitted.
The ignition and important assist systems such
as the brake booster will remain available during
the Stop phase. The engine will restart automati-
cally when needed.
The Start/Stop system is automatically activated
once the ignition is switched on.
Page 105 of 304
8W1012721BC
Driving
Switching the Start/Stop system off and on
The )* button is located above the selector lev-
er in the center console. The LED in the button
turns on when the function is switched off.
> Press (A)°* to switch the system on or off.
If you switch the system off during a Stop phase,
the engine will start again automatically.
Basic requirements
— The driver’s door and the hood must be closed
and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
—"P","N", or "D" must be engaged.
—The steering wheel must not be turned far in ei-
ther direction.
— The vehicle must have driven faster than 2 mph
(3 km/h) since the last time it stopped.
— The vehicle is not in trailer mode.
@ Note
Always switch the Start/Stop system off when
driving through water > page 103.
@ Tips
— Depending on the driving situation, the en-
gine may already stop when coasting before
the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
— If you select the "D" position after shifting
into reverse, the vehicle must be driven fast-
er than 6 mph (10 km/h) in order for the
Start/Stop system to become active again.
This makes it possible to maneuver without
stopping the engine.
Stopping and starting the engine
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
> Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle
has stopped. The @] indicator light appears in
the instrument cluster once the engine stops
automatically.
> The engine starts again when you remove your
foot from the brake pedal. The indicator light
turns off.
If the parking brake is set, the engine will only
start again when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
@) Tips
— Press the brake pedal during a Stop phase
to keep the vehicle from rolling.
— The ignition will turn off if you press the
START ENGINE STOP] button during a Stop
phase.
— If you leave the vehicle briefly during a Stop
phase and then enter again, the driver's
door must be closed and the safety belt
must be fastened in order for the engine to
be able to restart.
— You can control if the engine will stop or not
by reducing or increasing the amount of
force you use to press the brake pedal. For
example, if you only lightly press on the
brake pedal in stop-and-go traffic or when
turning, the engine will not switch off when
the vehicle is stationary. If you press the
brake pedal harder, the engine will switch
off.
Starting and stopping the engine automat-
ically
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
The system checks if certain conditions are met
before and during the Stop phase, and deter-
mines if the engine stops and how long it re-
mains stopped. For example, if power usage is
high, the engine will not be stopped. Along with
other conditions, the following factors influence
the automatic engine start or stop:
— Environmental conditions (slopes, inclines, ele-
vation, temperature)
— Battery (charge status, temperature, power us-
age)
— Engine temperature
— Assist systems
— Driving behavior
Depending on the engine, the Gy indicator light
may appear if the engine is not stopped.
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
Drive system: please start the vehicle manually >
103
Page 106 of 304
Driving
This message appears when specific conditions
are not met during a Stop phase. The Start/Stop
system will not be able to restart the engine. The
engine must be started with the
START ENGINE STOP] button.
Vehicle starting system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
There is a malfunction in the Start/Stop system.
Drive the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Service Facility as soon as possible to
have the malfunction corrected.
Brakes
General information
You can apply the vehicle's brakes using the brake
pedal.
Operating noise
Noises may occur when braking depending on the
speed, braking force, and outside conditions such
as temperature and humidity.
Braking effect
The response time from the brakes depends on
the weather and environmental conditions. To
ensure the optimal braking effect, the brake sys-
tem is cleaned at regular intervals. This is done
by applying the brake pads to the brake rotors for
a short period of time when driving at high
speeds when the windshield wipers are switched
on.
If the brake system becomes damp, for example
after driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may
be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en
frequently or for long distances. In this case,
104
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. Due to the properties of the material,
they may cause noises at lower speeds. Ceramic
brakes also absorb more moisture in wet condi-
tions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less
braking force than when the brakes are dry. You
can compensate for this by pressing the brake
pedal harder.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
— The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning