Brakes
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2
Braking in an emergency
DO NOT pump the brake
pedal at any time; this will
interrupt operation of the ABS
and may increase braking
distance.
If an emergency situation occurs, the driver should apply full
braking effort even when the road surface is slippery. The
anti-lock braking system will constantly monitor the
rotational speed of the wheels and vary braking pressure to
each according to the amount of traction available. This will
ensure that the wheels do not lock and that the car is brought
to a halt in the shortest possible distance for the prevailing
road surface conditions.
NOTE: On soft surfaces such as
powdery snow, sand or gravel,
the braking distance required by
the anti-lock braking system may
be greater than for non-ABS
braking, even though improved
steering would be experienced.
This is because the natural action
of locked wheels on soft surfaces
is to build up a wedge of surface
material in front which assists the
car to stop.
No matter how hard you brake, you should be able to
continue steering the vehicle as NORMAL.
However, always remember that anti-lock braking operates
only AFTER the driver has already lost control. ABS cannot
reliably compensate for driver error or inexperience.
ABS Warning light
The ABS incorporates a monitoring system, which
checks that all the electrical components are in
working order as soon as the starter switch is turned on, and
also at frequent intervals during a journey.
The warning light on the instrument panel is an important
part of this system. The light should illuminate for
approximately 2 seconds when the starter switch is turned to
the second position and then extinguish.
NOTE: The normal (non-ABS)
braking system remains fully
operational and is not affected by
partial or full loss of the ABS.
However, braking distances may
increase.
If the warning light fails to extinguish or illuminates while
driving, a fault has been detected by the self-monitoring
system and full ABS control may not be available. If this
occurs, consult your dealer at the earliest opportunity.
Summary of Contents for Seventy Five
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