Brake System

Power Brakes

Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic brake booster, which operates automatically during normal use.

If the electric brake booster loses power due to engine stall or other reasons, you can still stop your vehicle by applying more force to the brake pedal than normal. However, the braking distance will be longer.

When the engine is off, the reserve braking assist is partially depleted each time the brake pedal is applied. Do not pump the brake pedal when the power assist has been interrupted.

Apply the brake pedal only when necessary to maintain control on slippery surfaces.

CAUTION - Brake Pedal

Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will create abnormally high brake temperatures that may cause excessive brake lining and pad wear.

WARNING - Braking Down a Steep Hill

Avoid continuous brake application when descending a long or steep hill by shifting to a lower gear. Continuous brake application will cause the brakes to overheat and may result in temporary loss of braking effectiveness.

Wet brakes may reduce braking effectiveness and may cause the vehicle to pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Lightly applying the brakes will indicate whether they have been affected in this way. Always check your brakes in this way after driving through deep water. To dry the brakes, lightly apply them while maintaining a safe forward speed until braking effectiveness returns to normal.

In Case of Brake Failure

If the service brakes do not operate while the vehicle is moving, you can make an emergency stop using the parking brake. However, the braking distance will be much longer than normal.

WARNING! Parking Brake

Avoid using the parking brake to stop the vehicle while it is moving, except in an emergency. Applying the parking brake when the vehicle is moving at normal speed may cause a sudden loss of vehicle control. If you must use the parking brake to stop the vehicle, apply it with extreme care.

Disc Brake Wear Indicator

When the brake pads are worn and new pads are required, you will hear a high-pitched warning sound from the front brakes or rear brakes. You may hear this sound come and go, or it may occur whenever you depress the brake pedal.

Please note that driving conditions or climate may cause brake squeal when the brakes are first applied (or lightly applied). This is normal and does not indicate a problem with your brakes.

Always replace the front or rear brake pads in pairs.

CAUTION - Replace Brake Pads

Do not continue driving with worn brake pads. Continued driving with worn brake pads can damage the brake system and result in costly brake repairs.

WARNING - Brake Wear

Do not ignore high brake wear noise. If you ignore this audible warning, you will eventually lose braking effectiveness, which may result in a serious accident.

Rear Drum Brakes (if equipped)

Your rear drum brakes do not have wear indicators. Therefore, have the rear brake shoes inspected if you hear a rear brake squeal. Also check the rear brakes each time you rotate or change the tires and when the front brakes are replaced.