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Brakes
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (ABS)
ABS cannot overcome the physical limitations of stopping the
car in too short a distance, cornering at too high a speed, or the
danger of aquaplaning, i.e. where a layer of water prevents adequate
contact between the tyres and the road surface.
The fact that a car is fitted with ABS must never tempt the driver
into taking risks that could affect his/her safety or that of other road
users. In all cases, it remains the driver's responsibility to drive
within normal safety margins, having due consideration for
prevailing weather and traffic conditions.
The purpose of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is to prevent
the wheels from locking while braking, thereby enabling the
driver to retain steering control of the car.
Under normal braking conditions, (where sufficient road surface
friction exists to reliably bring the car to a halt without the wheels
locking), ABS will not be activated. However, should the braking
force exceed the available adhesion between the tyres and the road
surface causing the wheels to lock (on slippery roads, for example),
then ABS will automatically come into operation.
This will be recognisable by a rapid pulsation felt through the
brake pedal.
Electronic brake force distribution
Your car is equipped with Electronic Brake force Distribution
(EBD), which, in order to maintain braking efficiency,
automatically proportions the distribution of braking forces
between front and rear axles, under all load conditions.
For example; under light loads EBD applies less effort to the rear
brakes in order to maintain vehicle stability; however if the car is
heavily laden or towing, then more effort will be applied to the
rear brakes.
The EBD system incorporates a monitoring system, which checks
that all electrical components are in working order when the
starter switch is turned on and also at frequent intervals while the
car is being driven. The EBD monitoring system is linked to the
brake system warning light on the instrument panel. If this light
illuminates while driving, or remains illuminated for more than
three seconds after the starter switch is turned on, there is a fault
with the braking system, and EBD may not be available. If this
occurs, stop the car as soon as safety permits and seek qualified
assistance immediately. DO NOT drive the car with the brake
system warning light illuminated.
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