However, do not expect that the ABS shortens
braking distance under
all circumstances .
When driving on gravel or on newly fallen
snow on top of icy surfaces, braking distance
may be even longer, therefore, under these
circumstances, it is especially important that
you drive slowly and with great care.
How th e ABS system works
An automatic check is made when a speed of
about 4 mph (6 km/h) is reached. When this
happens, a pumping noise can be heard.
If an individual wheel begins to rotate too
slowly in relation to vehicle speed and tends
to lock, the ABS automatically reduces brake
pressure to prevent that wheel from locking.
This automatic adjustment process will cause
a
slight vibration of the brake pedal and some
noises to alert you that vehicle speed must be
adapted to existing road and traff ic condi-
tions.
A WARNING
Although the ABS is very effective, always
remember that braking capability is limit-
ed by tire traction. Always adjust your driv-
ing speed according to the road and traffic
conditions . Do not let the extra safety af-
forded bytheABStemptyou into taking
extra risks. The ABS cannot overcome the
laws of physics.
(D Tips
- If ABS is not functioning properly, a
warning light will come on. See
¢ page 18 .
- If a fault occurs in the ABS, the EDL is al-
so not functioning . This is indicated by
the ABS warning light.
Brake assistant
The broke assistant is designed to achieve the
optimum broking effect .
The brake assistant helps to increase the ef-
fective
braking power and thus to achieve a
shorter stopping distance . If the driver
Int e llig e nt technolog y 165
presses the brake pedal very quickly, the brake
assistant automatically boosts the braking
force to the maximum level, up to the point
where the anti-lock brake function (ABS) inter-
venes to stop the wheels from locking. You
should then keep the brake pedal pressed un-
til the vehicle has braked to the required
speed. The brake assistant switches itself off
as soon as you release the brake pedal.
The brake assistant will not be operative if
there is a malfunction in the ABS.
A WARNING
Please remember that the accident risk al-
ways increases if you drive too fast, espe-
cially in corners or on a slippery road, or if
you follow the vehicle ahead of you too
closely. An increased accident risk cannot
be compensated even by the brake assis-
tant, so always mainta in a safe speed.
Electro-mechanical
power assist
The electro-mechanical power assist helps
the driver when steering .
The degree of power assist is electronically
matched to vehicle speed .
The power steering system assists the driver
so that he can steer the vehicle with reduced
physical effort.
Power steering will not work if the engine is
off. As a result, the steering wheel will be hard
to turn .
A WARNING
If the system develops a problem, you
must seek qualified professiona l assis-
tance.
(D Note
If there is an electronic malfunction, ser-
votronic
will still function like a conven-
tiona l power steering system, providing a
constant steering support force that is no
-
longe r proportionate to the vehicle speed. ..,.
•
•
To Next Page
Loading...
