Rules for the use of the brake system
Vacuum brake booster
The vacuum booster reduces the force on the brake pedal by using vacuum in the engine intake system. If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, the vehicle can still be stopped by depressing the brake pedal. However, the required effort on the pedals will increase and the braking distance will increase.
Uphill movement
When starting off on a steep hill, it is sometimes difficult to operate the clutch pedal at the same time (for models with manual transmission) and brake pedal. Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle stationary. Avoid intense clutch slip. When ready to move off, slowly release the parking brake lever while simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and releasing the clutch pedal.
Downhill driving
Engine braking effectively maintains a safe vehicle speed when driving downhill. On a manual transmission vehicle, shift down one gear before descending. If the car is equipped with an automatic transmission, turn on the range «2» or «1».
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
The ABS system, by controlling the braking of each wheel, makes it possible to prevent the wheels from blocking during emergency braking of the car, as well as during normal braking on slippery road surfaces. ABS monitors the speed of each wheel and regulates the pressure of the brake fluid in the working cylinders of the wheels so that the wheels do not block and do not broke into a slip. Preventing the wheels from locking when braking on slippery surfaces helps maintain vehicle control and allows the driver to control the movement of the vehicle with steering control to reduce the turning radius and lateral movement of the vehicle.
ABS self-diagnosis tools
The anti-lock braking system includes electronic sensors, electric pumps and electromagnetic hydraulic valves controlled by an electronic unit. ABS failure diagnostics are performed by the control unit each time the engine is started while the vehicle is moving at low speed forward or reverse. During this self-test, you may hear a characteristic noise and/or feel a slight pulsation on the brake pedal. These signs are not evidence of any malfunction of the anti-lock braking system. If the electronic control unit detects a malfunction, it disables the anti-lock system and turns on the ABS malfunction indicator lamp located on the dashboard. The braking system remains fully operational. However, the anti-lock function will no longer be performed.
If the ABS malfunction indicator light comes on during self-diagnosis or later while driving, have the anti-lock braking system repaired by a dealer as soon as possible.
Braking a vehicle equipped with ABS
Press the brake pedal and keep it pressed. Depress the pedal with constant force, without trying to alternately loosen and increase foot pressure on the pedal. The ABS system will prevent the wheels from locking. Your task remains to control the steering wheel of the car to avoid hitting obstacles.
Normal operation of the ABS
The anti-lock braking system does not work when the speed decreases to 5-10 km / h and up to a complete stop of the car (The amount of speed at which ABS is disabled may vary depending on road conditions). If the ABS control unit detects that one or more of the vehicle's wheels are about to lock up, it instructs the modulator (located in the engine compartment) to release and brake the corresponding wheels. Usually, when the ABS is turned on, a slight vibration is felt on the brake pedal, which is accompanied by a characteristic noise from the modulator located under the hood cover. These vibrations and noises are an external manifestation of the functioning of the ABS and indicate the health of the anti-lock system. However, pedal pulsation indicates the existence of dangerous road conditions and extra caution should be exercised when driving.