BMW Z8, Owner'S Manual, Page: 91 / 175

91 n
Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
Disc brakes
Driving notes
When driving in heavy rain and on wet
roads it is advisable to apply light pres-
sure to the brake pedal every few miles.
Monitor traffic conditions to ensure that
this maneuver does not pose a hazard
to you or to other road users. The heat
generated in this braking process helps
dry the pads and rotors
Maximum braking force is obtained
while the wheels are not locked, but
rather when they are still barely turning
immediately prior to locking. ABS main-
tains this state automatically. If the ABS
fails, you should revert to the staggered
braking technique, refer to page
93 .
When descending steep hills and
extended grades, downshift to a gear
that will allow you to continue safely
with only a minimal amount of braking.
By minimizing the loads placed on the
brake system, this strategy helps
ensure that optimal brake system
response will remain available at all
times.
You can enhance the engine's braking
effect by downshifting, into first gear, if
necessary.
Even if engine braking fails to slow the
vehicle sufficiently, you should still
make every effort to avoid prolonged
braking with continuous application of
low to moderate pressure at the pedal.
It is better to decelerate the vehicle by
applying a higher level of force at the
pedal – watch following traffic – and
then subsequently pausing to allow the
brakes to cool briefly before starting on
your next braking cycle – staggered
braking. By protecting brake system
components against overheating, the
cooling phases afforded by this stag-
gered, or intermittent braking technique
help maintain consistent availability of
optimal braking response when it is
needed.
Do not coast with the clutch pedal
depressed, the gearshift lever in
neutral, or, above all, with the engine
switched off; otherwise, the engine will
provide no braking effect if the trans-
mission is in neutral, and there is no
braking or steering power assist if the
engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any
other objects to obstruct the acceler-
ator, clutch or brake pedals and pose a
safety hazard by reducing their avail-
able travel range.
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