(D Note
Never push the vehicle or apply force to
the rear spoiler - it could be damaged.
@ Tips
Clean the spoiler compartment every 2 to
3 months . The spoiler compartment must
always be free of ice, snow, leaves or other
debris.
Braking
General information
What affects braking efficiency?
Operating conditions and driving habits
The brakes on today's automobi les are st ill
subject to wear, depending largely on operat-
ing conditions and dr iving habits
c> & . On
vehicles that are either driven mostly in stop-
and-go city traffic or are driven hard, the
brake pads should be checked by you r author-
ized Audi dealer more often than specified in
the
Warranty & Maintenance booklet. Failure
to have your brake pads inspected can result
in reduced brake performance.
On steep slopes, you should use the braking
effect of the eng ine. 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.
Noises may occur when braking depending on
the speed, braki ng force and outside condi-
tions such as temperature and humidity.
Moisture or road salt
Under certain conditions, for example, when
driving through water or very heavy rain, or
even after washing your vehicle, the braking
effect can be reduced due to moisture (or in
freezing conditions ice) on the brake pads. A
few cautious brake applicat ions should dry off
the brake pads or remove any ice coatings.
The effectiveness of the brakes can be reduced
when the vehicle is driven on a salt-covered
Intelligent technology 151
road and the brakes are not used. Likewise,
you clean off accumulated salt coating from
brake discs and pads with a few cautious 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 regu larly or
only for short trips with litt le 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
firmly a few times from a moderately high
speed
c> & .
Faults in the brake system
If you should notice a sudden increase in
brake pedal travel, 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 fluid
level is monitored electronica lly.
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure that
you generate with the brake pedal. It works
only when the engine is running
.c> &
Brake lining wear status
Brake lining wear may be checked by visual in-
spection of the condition of the brake pads
through the open ings in the wheel. If neces-
sary, t he wheel may be removed f or this in-
spection
c> page 215, What should I be
aware of when changing a tire?.
A WARNING
--=
- You should 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
~
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