200 Int e llig e nt te chnol o g y
to have your brake pads inspected can result
in reduced brake performance.
On steep slopes, you should use the braking
effect of the engine. This way, you prevent un-
necessary wear on the brake system. If you
must use your brakes, do not hold the brakes
down continuously. Pump the brakes at inter -
vals.
Operating noise
Noises may occur when braking depending on
the speed, braking force and outside condi-
tions such as temperature and humidity.
Eff ect of water and road salt
I n certain situat ions, for example after driving
through water , in heavy rain, after overnight
condensation or after washing your car, the
braking effect can be reduced by moisture or
ice on the brake rotors and brake pads. The
brakes must be dried first with a few careful
brake applications.
At higher speeds and with the windshield wip-
ers turned on, the brake pads press against
the brake rotors for a short amount of time.
This occurs at regular intervals without the
driver noticing and provides for bett er brake
response time under wet condit ions.
The effectiveness of the brakes can be reduced
when the vehicle is dr iven on a salt-covered
road and t he brakes are not used. Likewise,
you clean off accumulated salt coating from
brake discs and pads with a few caut ious ap-
plications of the brake
c:::> .&,.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up
on the brake pads and corrosion to form on
the discs if the car is not driven regularly or
only for short t rips with little use of the
brakes.
If the brakes are not used frequently , or if cor-
rosion has formed on the discs, it is advisable
to clean off the pads and discs by braking
firm ly a few times from a mode rately high
speed
c:::> .&,.
Faults in the brake syst em
If you should notice a sudden increase in
brake pedal trave l, then one of the two brake
circuits may have fai led c:::> & .
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if
the brake fluid level is too low. The brake flu id
level is monitored electro nically.
Brake booster
The brake booster works with vacuum pres-
sure which is created only when the engine is
runn ing c:::> .&,.
Brake lining wear statu s
Brake lining wear may be checked by visual in-
spect ion of the condition of the brake pads
through the open ings in the wheel. If neces-
sary, the wheel may be removed for th is in-
spection
c:::> page 269, Changing a wheel .
_& WARNING
- You shou ld perform braking maneuvers
for the purpose of cleaning the brake
system only if road conditions permit .
Other road users must not be put at risk -
you may cause an accident!
- Before descending a steep grade, reduce
speed and shift transmission into a lower
gear or lower dr iving range. Do not ride
the brakes or hold the pedal down too
long or too often . This could cause the
brakes to get hot and diminish braking
efficiency.
- Do not "ride the brakes" by rest ing your
foot on the pedal when you do not intend
to brake. This may cause the brakes to
overheat, premature wear and increased
st opping distance .
- Under certain climatic and operat ing
conditions such as passing thro ugh wa-
ter, dr iving in heavy rain or after washing
the vehicle, the effectiveness of the
brakes can be reduced. In winter, ice can
accumulate on the brake pads, lin ings,
discs and drums. Carefully apply brakes
for a test. Brakes will dry and ice
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