Table of contents: Rules for using the brake system ↓ Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ↓
The brake system has a drive with two independent hydraulic circuits. If one of the circuits fails, you can brake the car using the other circuit (two wheels).
Rules for using the brake system
Vacuum brake booster
- The vacuum booster reduces the force on the brake pedal by using the vacuum in the engine intake system. If the engine stops or the accessory drive belt breaks, the car can still be stopped by pressing the brake pedal. However, you will need to apply much more force to the brake pedal, and the braking distance will increase.
- If the engine does not run or stalls while the vehicle is moving, the brake booster does not work. The force on the brake pedal required to stop the vehicle will increase.
Water getting into the brakes
- When washing the car or driving on a wet road, water may get into the brakes, which will reduce the effectiveness of the brakes and increase the braking distance. In addition, when braking, the car may pull to the side.
- To dry the brakes, you need to move at low speed while pressing the brake pedal. This technique allows you to restore braking efficiency. Do not develop high speed until the braking system is fully restored.
Using the brake system
- When driving, do not keep your foot on the brake pedal. This will cause the brakes to overheat, premature wear of the brake pads and increased fuel consumption. In order to reduce brake pad wear and prevent brakes from overheating, it is recommended to reduce the speed of the vehicle and shift to lower gears before a steep descent or a long slope. Overheating of the brakes leads to reduced braking efficiency and may result in loss of vehicle control.
Overcoming climbs
- When starting off on a steep hill, it can sometimes be difficult to operate both the brake pedal and the clutch pedal at the same time (for cars with manual transmission). To hold the vehicle in place, use the parking brake. Avoid excessive clutch slippage. When you are ready to move, slowly release the parking brake lever while simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and releasing the clutch pedal.
Downhill movement
- Engine braking allows you to effectively maintain a safe vehicle speed when driving downhill.
- The manual transmission lever must be placed in a low enough gear to provide effective engine braking.
- For vehicles with automatic or CVT transmission, select manual shift mode or position L (if any).
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
The ABS system, by controlling the braking of each wheel, helps prevent wheel locking during emergency braking of the vehicle, as well as during service braking on a slippery road surface. ABS monitors the rotation speed of each wheel and regulates the brake fluid pressure in the brake mechanisms so that the wheels do not lock or skid. Preventing wheel locking during braking on a slippery surface helps maintain vehicle control and allows the driver to control the vehicle's directional movement using the steering wheel to reduce the vehicle's turn and lateral displacement.
Braking a car with ABS
Press the brake pedal and hold it down. Press the brake pedal firmly and firmly, but do not "pump" the pedal. The ABS system will function to prevent the wheels from locking. You can maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.
ABS self-diagnostic tools
The ABS system includes electronic sensors, electric pumps, electromagnetically controlled hydraulic valves and an electronic control module. The control unit performs a self-diagnosis of the system faults every time the engine is started while the vehicle is moving forward or backward at low speed. During this self-diagnosis, you may hear a characteristic noise and/or feel a slight pulsation on the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a fault in the system. If the electronic control unit detects a fault, it switches off the anti-lock braking system and turns on the ABS fault indicator light located on the instrument panel. The braking system remains fully functional. However, the system will not be able to prevent the wheels from locking when braking. If the indicator lights up during self-diagnosis or while driving, contact a service station to have the ABS checked and repaired.
Normal functioning of the system
- The ABS system operates at speeds above 5-10 km/h. The speed at which the system switches off may vary depending on road conditions.
- If the system detects that one or more wheels are close to locking, the actuator begins to rapidly reduce and increase the pressure in the brake line. This action is similar to repeatedly pressing and releasing the brake pedal very quickly. Usually, when the ABS system is activated, a slight vibration is felt in the brake pedal, which is accompanied by a characteristic noise from the modulator located under the hood. This is a normal phenomenon and indicates that the system is working properly. However, pulsation in the pedal may indicate the existence of dangerous road conditions, so extra caution should be exercised when driving.