Table of contents: Rules for using the brake system ↓ Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ↓
Rules for using the brake system
Vacuum brake booster
The vacuum booster reduces the effort required to operate the brake pedal by using the vacuum in the engine intake system. If the engine stalls or the drive belt breaks, the vehicle can still be stopped by pressing the brake pedal. However, the effort required to operate the pedal will increase and the braking distance will be longer.
Movement on the rise
When starting off on a steep incline, it can sometimes be difficult to operate the clutch pedal at the same time (for models with manual transmission) and the brake pedal. Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle stationary. Avoid excessive clutch slippage. When you are ready to move off, slowly release the parking brake lever while simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and releasing the clutch pedal.
Downhill movement
Engine braking effectively maintains a safe vehicle speed when driving downhill. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, shift down one gear before going downhill. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, shift into range "2" or "1".
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 normal braking on a slippery road surface. ABS monitors the rotation speed of each wheel and regulates the pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel working cylinders so that the wheels do not lock and do not break into skidding. Preventing wheel locking during braking on a slippery surface helps maintain vehicle control and allows the driver to control the movement of the car using the steering wheel to reduce the turning radius and lateral displacement of the car.
ABS self-diagnostic tools
The anti-lock braking system includes electronic sensors, electric pumps and electromagnetic hydraulic valves controlled by an electronic control unit. ABS failure diagnostics are performed by the control unit every time the engine is started while the vehicle is moving forward or backward at low speed. During such self-diagnosis, you may hear a characteristic noise and/or feel a slight pulsation on the brake pedal. These symptoms do not indicate any malfunction of the anti-lock braking system. If the electronic control unit detects a malfunction, it switches off the anti-lock braking system and turns on the ABS malfunction indicator lamp located on the instrument panel. The braking system remains fully functional. However, the anti-lock function will no longer be performed.
If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp comes on during self-diagnosis or later while driving, contact a service station as soon as possible to have the anti-lock braking system repaired.
Braking a vehicle equipped with ABS
Press the brake pedal and hold it down. Press the pedal with constant force, without trying to alternately weaken and strengthen the pressure of your foot 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 ABS
The anti-lock braking system does not work when the speed drops to 5-10 km/h and until the vehicle comes to a complete stop (the 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 close to locking, it commands the modulator (which is located in the engine compartment) to release and brake the corresponding wheels. Usually, when 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. This vibration and noise are an external manifestation of the ABS operation and indicate the serviceability of the anti-lock system. However, pulsation on the pedal indicates the existence of dangerous road conditions and additional caution should be exercised when driving.