Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) (if equipped)

WARNING

The ABS or ESP systems cannot prevent a traffic accident if the vehicle is operated in an incorrect or dangerous manner.

Although vehicle control is improved during emergency braking, always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and objects ahead. In severe road conditions, always reduce speed.

The braking distance of vehicles equipped with ABS (or Electronic Stability Program ESP) may be longer than that of vehicles without them under certain road conditions.

Conditions in which speed should be reduced include:

• Uneven, gravel or snow-covered roads.
• Vehicle fitted with snow chains.
• Roads with potholes or uneven surfaces.
Do not test the safety functions of the ABS (or ESP) systems at high speeds or while cornering. This is dangerous to you and others.

The ABS system continuously monitors wheel rotational speed. When wheel lock is approaching, the ABS system will periodically adjust the hydraulic brake pressure applied to the wheels.

If you brake under conditions where wheel lock is possible, you may hear a ticking sound from the brakes or feel it through the brake pedal. This is normal and indicates that the ABS is active.

To get the maximum benefit from ABS in an emergency, do not attempt to modulate brake pressure or pump the brakes. Press the brake pedal as hard as possible (or as required by the situation) and let the ABS control the braking force applied to the wheels.

NOTE

A clicking sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the vehicle starts moving after the engine is started.

This is normal and indicates that the ABS is operating correctly.

• Even with ABS, the vehicle still requires a sufficiently long braking distance.

Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
• Always reduce speed when cornering. The ABS cannot prevent a traffic accident caused by excessive speed.
• On roads with damaged surfaces, ABS operation may increase stopping distance compared with vehicles equipped with a conventional brake system.