brakes SKODA OCTAVIA TOUR 2010 2.G / (1Z) Owner's Manual

Contents
4
Driving Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your ve hicle and cleaning the
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changing and replacing parts
. . .
Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of category N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car) .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption based on ECE regulations and EC
guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4, EU2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 l/81 kW TDI CR EU4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
111111111113114115115116116118118119119122123123124125125129129129129133136136137137139139141143145
146150151151157157157157159159159159159159160160161165167169169172179179179179179179179180180180182
184186189
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
28
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.Seat belt warning light

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder to fasten
the seat belt. The warning light only goes ou t if the driver has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver, a permanent warning signal sounds
at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and simultaneously the warning light flashes
.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the dr iver during the next 90 seconds, the warning
signal is deactivated and the warning light
 lights up permanently.
Further information on the seat belts page 89, “Seat belts”.
Thickness of the brake pads*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light  comes on, contact a specialist garage immediately and have the
brake pads on all of the wheels inspected.
Boot lid

The warning light

comes on when the ignition is switched on if the luggage
compartment door is open. If th e boot lid opens while driving

, the warning light
lights up and an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
Open door

The warning light
 comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid is
opened. If one of the doors opens whil e driving, the warning light lights
 up and an
audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
Brake system

The warning light
 flashes or comes on if the brake fluid level is too low, if there is a
fault in the ABS or if the handbrake is applied.
If the warning light  flashes and an audible signal so unds three times (handbrake is
not applied), stop and check the brake fluid level .
If there is a fault in the ABS which also infl uences the function of the brake system (e.g.
distribution of brake pressure), the ABS warning light
 comes on and at the same
time the brake system warning light starts flashing
. Be aware that not only the ABS
but also another part of the brake system is defective .
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
One should get used to high pedal forces, long braking distances and long free play of
the brake pedal when driving to the next specialist garage.
For further information on the brake system page 113, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6 km/h.
WARNING

Pay attention to the following instruct ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 140, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.

If the brake system warning light
 does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir page 145. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain
professional assistance.
Alternator

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
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Seats and Stowage
56
– You can fold down the armrest at the loop to enhance occupant comfort
page 55, fig. 53 .Seat heaters*You can electrically heat the seat cushions and the seat backrests of the front seats.
– You can switch on and regulate the seat heating of the driver or front passenger
seat by pressing the surface of the regula tor at the point at which the symbol is
located
  fig. 54 .
– With one press, you can switch the heating to highest intensity which is indicated by the lighting up of the three warning lights in the switch.
– With repeated pressing of the switch, the intensity of the heating is down-regulated up to the switch-off. The intensity of the heating is indicated by the number of illu-
minated warning lights in the switch.
WARNING
If you or the passenger have a subdued pain and/or temperature sensitivity,
e.g. through medication, paralysis or beca use of chronic illness (e.g. diabetes),
we recommend not to use the seat heating at all. This can lead to burns on the
back, the posterior and the legs which are di fficult to heal. If the seat heating is
used, we recommend to make regular brea ks in your journey when driving long
distances, so that in specific cases as mentioned above the body can recuperate
from the stress of the journey. Please consult your doctor, who can evaluate
your specific condition.
Caution

You should not kneel on the seats or otherwise apply pressure at specific points in
order to avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heaters.

Do not use the seat heating if the seats ar e not occupied by persons or if objects
are fastened or stored on them, for example a child seat, a bag etc. A fault of the heating
elements in the seat heating can occur.

Do not clean the seats moist page 134.Note

The seat heating should only be switched on when the engine is running. This has
a significant effect of savi ng on the battery capacity.

If the on-board voltage drops, the seat heating is switched off automatically, in
order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control.
PedalsConcerning a secure de pressing of the pedal, you should use only footmats from the
Škoda genuine accessories.
Operation of the pedals must not be hindered!
WARNING

Greater pedal distances may be needed when there is a fault in the brake
system.

Do not place any footmats or other additional floor coverings in the area of
the pedals in order to ensure that all the pedals can be fully depressed and are
able to return unobstructed to their initial position - risk of accident!

There must be no objects on the floor which could roll under the pedals. You
would then no longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or acceler-
ator - risk of accident!
Fig. 54 Dash panel: Regulator for front
seat heating
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Seats and Stowage
66WARNING

Please do not place anything on top of the dash panel. Such objects might
slide or fall down when driving (when accelerating or cornering) and may
distract you from concentrating on the traffic situation - risk of accident!

Ensure that when driving no objects from the centre console of from other
storage possibilities may get into the footwell of the driver. You would then no
longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator - risk of
accident!
Storage compartment on the front passenger sideOpening and closing the storage com partment on the front passenger
side– Press the handle of the lid fig. 71 - the lid folds down.
– Raise the lid and press it until the catch is heard to engage. There is a holder for a pen and note book on the inside of the lid.
WARNING

The storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety
reasons.

Do not place any beverages into the cu p holder while driving. Spilled bever-
ages can damage the electrical system and the upholstery. Hot beverages may
result in burns.
Storage compartment on the driver's side– The storage compartment is opened by li fting the handle and folding open in the
direction of arrow fig. 72 .
WARNING
The storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety
reasons.Storage compartment on the dash panelThe storage compartment on the dash panel with a cover.
Front seat armrest with storage compartment*
page 67
Rear armrest with storage compartment*
page 68
Storage compartment in rear centre console*
page 68
Seat backrest with opening for skis*
page 69
Clothes hooks*
page 69
Fig. 71 Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the front passenger side
Fig. 72 Dash panel: Storage compart-
ment on the driver's side
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Starting-off and Driving81
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING

Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In
addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
Each time the vehicle is parked, first of all apply the handbrake and then additionally
engage the 1st gear.Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warning of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the distan ce from the rear bumper to an obstacle
behind the car with the aid of ultrasound sensors. These ultrasound sensors are inte-
grated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area
 fig. 87 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the clearance
is reduced. A continuous tone sounds from
a distance of approx. 30 cm (area ) - danger area.
Do not reverse any further after this signal sounds! If the vehicle is equipped with
a factory-fitted towing device*, the border of the danger area - continuous tone -
extends 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle can be extended through an
installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted radio*, the distance to the obstruction is
shown graphically in the display. On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the
sensors are deactivated when towing a traile r. The driver is informed about this by a
graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer) in the radio* display. The factory-fitted radio*
can be set so that the play function volume decreases when activating the parking aid,
see Owner's Manual radio*. This improves the audibility of the parking aid.
Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged and the igni-
tion is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by ta king the car out of reverse gear.
WARNING

The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the vehicle or
carrying out similar manoeuvres.

You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no small
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, trai ler drawbar etc., behind your vehicle.
Such obstacles might not be within the range detected by the sensors.

Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the parking aid. Thus, such objects or
people may not be recognised by the sensors of the parking aid.Note

The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models
which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
Fig. 87 Parking aid: Detection range of
rear sensors
AA
AB
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Seat belts91
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
How are seat belts correctly fastened?Fastening three-point seat belts
Fasten your seat belt before starting!Fig. 92 Routing of webbing over the shoulders and the lap belt– Correctly adjust the front seat and the head restraint before fastening your seat belt
 page 53.
– Slowly pull the belt webbing at the tongue of the lock over your chest and pelvis
 .
– Insert the tongue of the lock into the seat belt buckle belonging to the seat until it is heard to lock in place.
– Pull on the seat belt to check that it has also reliably engaged in the lock.
Each three-point seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel. This inertia reel offers you
complete freedom of movement if the belt is unreeled slowly. If the brakes are applied
suddenly, the inertia reel will block. It also blocks the seat belts when the car acceler-
ates, when driving uphill and when cornering.
Expectant mothers must also wear seat belts .
WARNING

The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run across your neck but must
run approximately over the middle of the shoulder and fit snugly against the
chest. The lap part of the belt must run across the hip and must never be routed across the stomach. It must always fit snugly
fig. 92 - left. Adjust the belt
webbing as required.

The lap part of the belt should be posi tioned as low as possible at the pelvis
of an expectant mother in order to avoid exerting any pressure on the lower
abdomen fig. 92 - right.

Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat
belts which are not correctl y adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in
minor accidents.

A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is
moved forward by the kinetic energy pr oduced in an accident and is then
suddenly held firm by the belt.

Only insert the lock tongue into the lock which is the correct one for your
seat. This will affect the protection which the belt offers and increase the risk of
an injury.
Seat belt height adjusterThe seat belt height adjuster makes it possible for you to adapt the routing of the three-
point seat belt in the area of the shoulder to match your body size.
– Move the height adjuster in the desired direction up or down fig. 93 .
– Then pull firmly on the belt to ensure that the seat belt height adjuster has correctly
locked in place.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 93 Front seat: Seat belt height
adjuster
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Intelligent Technology
112
offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an acci-
dent!
Note

All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circum ferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on th e brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP page 157, “Accesso-
ries, changing and replacing parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock prev ents an individual wheel from slip-
ping.Models fitted with ESP ar e equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automaticall y, that is without any action on the part of the driver.
It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. Should
only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an appreciable
difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping
wheel and the differential transmits a greate r driving force to the other driven wheel.
This control process is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatica lly if unusually severe stresses exist in order to avoid
excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The
vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not
fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically
as soon as the brake has cooled down.
WARNING

Carefully depress the accelerator when accelerating on uniformly slippery
road surfaces, such as ice and snow. Th e driven wheels might still spin despite
the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!

You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road
surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.
The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than
otherwise - risk of an accident!Note

If the ABS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL.
Please have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL page 157, “Accesso-
ries, changing and replacing parts”.
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 112 TCS switch
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Intelligent Technology113
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
General
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at
all possible, to start off, accelerate and
climb a steep hill when th e conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when th e engine is started and then conducts a
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS
sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is auto-
matically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS page 115, “Antilock brake system
(ABS)”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instru ment cluster when there is a fault on the
TCS
  page 26.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light
 flashes in the instru-
ment cluster page 26.
Switching off
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button
 page 112, fig. 112 . The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when
the TCS is switched off
  page 26.
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the system.
Examples:

when driving with snow chains

when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface

when it is necessary to rock a vehicle when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!
Note

All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS page 157, “Accesso-
ries, changing and replacing parts”.
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR)*Vehicles with ESP are equipped with active driver-steering recommendation (DSR).
This function indicates to the driver in crit ical situations a steering recommendation in
order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is activated,
for example, on the right and left vehicle si de when braking sharply on different road
surfaces.
WARNING
Even with this function the vehicle cann ot steer itself! The driver is furthermore
responsible for the steering of the vehicle!BrakesWhat has a negative effect on braking efficiency?Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pa ds is greatly dependent on the operating conditions of
the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns and
over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be necessary to
have the thickness of the brake pads insp ected at a specialist garage between the
service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect un der certain conditions
such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the vehicle has
been washed in an automatic vehicle wash , since the brake discs and brake pads may
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Intelligent Technology
114
be moist or even have a coatin g of ice on them in winter. Yo u s h o u l d d r y t h e b r a k e s a s
soon as possible by applying and releasing the brakes several times.
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when
driving on roads which have been treated with road salt if you have not used the brakes
for some considerable time beforehand. The layer of salt on the brake discs and brake
pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on th e bake pads occur if the vehicle has been
parked for a long period an d if you do not make much use of the braking system.
We recommend cleaning the brak e discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly high
speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corrosion is
present .
Faults in the brake surface
If you notice that the braking distance ha s suddenly become longer and that the brake
pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-circuit
brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage without
delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while on your
way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal pressure
required.
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 28, “Brake system ”.
WARNING

Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs
if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeop-
ardy.

When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one
must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced other-
wise the braking system could run too hot.

Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking effi-
ciency until after the first 200 kilometres . New brake pads must be first “run in”
before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake
pedal. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future
date.
Caution

Never allow the brakes to rub by applying sl
ight pressure if you do not wish to brake
the vehicle. This causes the br akes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear.

Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce your speed, shift down into the
next lower gear. This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the vehicle
and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done intermit-
tently, not continuously.Note
The brake light flashes automatically in case of an emergency braking at speeds greater
than 60 km/h or with the intervention of th e ABS, which lasts longer than 1.5 seconds.
After the speed was reduced below 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped, the brake light
stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on. The hazard warning
light system is switched of f automatically after accelerating or driving off again.Brake boosterThe brake booster boosts the pressure whic h you generate with the brake pedal. The
necessary pressure is only genera ted when the engine is running.
WARNING

Never switch off the engine befo re the vehicle is stationary.

The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do
not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent Technology115
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Antilock brake system (ABS)ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhanc ing the active safety of your vehicle.
Compared to a vehicle not fitted with ABS, you are able to retain optimal steering
ability even during a full brake applicatio n on a slippery road surface because the
wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the br aking distance will be shorter under all
circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel and
fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too
low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is noticeable
from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that the wheels
are tending to lock (ABS control range) . You must always keep the brake pedal
depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this braking
range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
WARNING

The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please do
not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the ABS
is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to the
conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety
offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise -
risk of an accident!

The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a specialist garage as quickly as poss ible and adjust your style of driving to
take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know the extent
of the fault and in how far the braking efficiency is affected.Note

A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system
  page 27.

Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the ABS page 157, “Accesso-
ries, changing and replacing parts”.
Brake Assist*During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases the
braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure required in
the brake system.
The majority of drivers do a pply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations, but
do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Consequently, it is not possible
for the vehicle to achieve its maximum deceleration and the vehicle covers a greater
distance than necessary.
The Brake Assist is activated by the very qu ick operation of the brake pedal. In such
cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake application.
This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake pedal, to
produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time, which
is required for maximum deceleration of the car. You must apply the brake pedal firmly
and hold it in this position in order to ac hieve the shortest possible braking distance.
The Brake Assist is able to help you achi eve a shorter braking distance in emergency
situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully
exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of the
Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal way.
The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake Assist
function is also not available. Further information on the ESP page 111.
WARNING

The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle in terms of the braking distance required.

Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic situ-
ation.

The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to take
a greater safety risk than otherwise.
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