Power Brakes

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

If power brake assist is lost due to engine stall or any other reason, you can still stop the vehicle by applying greater force to the brake pedal than normal. However, the braking distance will be longer.

With the engine off, the reserve brake assist is partially depleted with each brake pedal application. Do not pump the brake pedal when the power assist has been depleted.

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

WARNING - Brakes

• Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will cause abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive wear of the brake pads and linings, and increased braking distances.
• When driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and avoid constant use of the brakes. Prolonged braking will cause the brakes to overheat, which may result in a temporary loss of braking effectiveness.
• Wet brakes may reduce the vehicle's ability to decelerate safely; the vehicle may also pull to one side when braking. Lightly apply the brakes to check whether they have been affected in this way. Always check your brakes this way after driving through deep water. To dry the brakes, apply them lightly while maintaining a safe forward speed until brake performance returns to normal.
• Always check the positions of the brake and accelerator pedals before driving. If you do not check the positions of the accelerator and brake pedals before starting to drive, you may press the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal. This may result in a serious accident.

In the event of brake failure: If the service brakes do not work while the vehicle is moving, you can make an emergency stop using the parking brake. The stopping distance, however, will be much longer than normal.

WARNING! Parking Brake

Applying the parking brake while 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 great care.

WARNING

Do not apply the parking brake while the vehicle is moving, except in an emergency. This may damage the vehicle system and compromise driving safety.

Disc Brake Wear Indicator

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

Keep in mind that certain driving conditions or climates may cause brake squeal when you first depress (or lightly apply) the brakes. This is normal and does not indicate a brake problem.

CAUTION

• To avoid costly brake repairs, do not continue driving with worn brake pads.
• Always replace front or rear brake pads in sets.

WARNING - Brake Wear

This brake wear warning sound means your vehicle requires maintenance. If you ignore this audible warning, you will eventually lose braking effectiveness, which may result in a serious accident.