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06 Starting and driving
06
Brake system
Brake servo
If the car is rolling or is being towed with the engine turned off, the brake pedal must be pressed about five times harder than when the engine is running. If the brake pedal is pressed when the engine is started, you will feel the pedal drop. This is normal and due to the brake servo becoming active. This may be more noticeable if the car has emergency brake assistance (EBA).
WARNING
The brake servo only works when the engine is running.
NOTE
If braking with the engine switched off, press the brake pedal sharply once, not repeatedly.
Brake circuits
This symbol illuminates if a brake circuit is not working.
If a fault should occur in one of the circuits, it is still possible to brake the car. The brake pedal will travel further and may feel softer than normal. Harder pressure on the pedal is needed to produce the normal braking effect.
Dampness can affect braking characteristics
Brake components become wet when the car is driven in heavy rain, through pools of water or when the car is washed. This may alter brake pad friction characteristics so that there is a delay before braking effect is noticed.
Press the brake pedal lightly from time to time if driving for long stretches in rain or slushy snow, as well as after setting off in very damp or cold weather. This warms up the braking surfaces and dries off any water.
It is also recommended to do this before parking the car for a long period in such weather conditions.
If the brakes are used heavily
When driving in the Alps or other roads with similar characteristics, the car’s brakes are heavily loaded even if the brake pedal is not being depressed especially hard.
Because speed is often low, the brakes are not cooled as effectively as when driving on flat roads at higher speed.
So as not to overload the brakes, shift down when driving downhill instead of using the foot brake. Use the same gear driving downhill as you would use driving uphill. This uses engine braking more efficiently and requires the foot brake for only brief periods.
Bear in mind that driving with a trailer puts an additional load on the car’s brakes.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
The anti-lock braking system
(ABS) prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.
This means the ability to steer is maintained and it is easier to swerve to avoid a hazard, for example.
After the engine has been started, the ABS will perform a brief self-test at a speed of about 20 km/h. This can be felt and heard as pulses in the brake pedal.
To get the most out of the ABS:
• Press brake pedal with full force. Pulses will be felt.
• Steer the car in the direction of travel. Do not release the pressure on the pedal.
Practice braking with the ABS system in a traffic-free area and in different weather conditions.
The ABS symbol illuminates for two seconds if there was a fault in the ABS system when the engine was last running.
128
Emergency brake assistance – EBA
(Emergency brake assistance) In case of sudden braking, full-strength braking is provided instantaneously. The EBA function senses when heavy braking is underway by registering how quickly the brake pedal is depressed. Continue braking without easing off on the brake pedal. The function is suspended when the pressure on the brake pedal eases. This function is always active and cannot be disengaged.
WARNING
If the BRAKE and ABS warning symbols are illuminated at the same time, a fault may have occurred in the brake system. If the level in the brake fluid reservoir is normal, drive carefully to the nearest authorised
Volvo workshop to have the brake system checked.
If the brake fluid is under the MIN level in the brake fluid reservoir, do not drive further before topping up the brake fluid.
The reason for the loss of brake fluid must be investigated.
NOTE
When the EBA function is activated, the brake pedal sinks slightly more than usual, press (and hold) the brake pedal as long as necessary. Release the brake pedal to stop all braking.
06 Starting and driving
Brake system
06
129
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