Brake System

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.

CAUTION - Brake Pedal

Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will cause abnormally high brake temperatures, which may cause excessive wear of the brake linings and pads.

WARNING - Braking on a Steep Hill

Avoid continuous braking when descending a long or steep hill by shifting to a lower gear. Continuous 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 slow down safely; the vehicle may also pull to one side when braking. Lightly applying the brakes will indicate 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 braking effectiveness returns to normal.

In Case of Brake Failure

If the service brakes fail 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

Do not apply the parking brake to stop the vehicle while it is moving, except in an emergency. Applying the parking brake while the vehicle is moving at normal speed may result in a sudden loss of vehicle control. If you must use the parking brake to stop the vehicle, be very careful when braking.

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.

Always replace front or rear brake pads in pairs.

WARNING - Replace Brake Pads

Do not continue driving with worn brake pads. Continued driving with worn brake pads may damage the brake system and lead to costly brake repairs.

WARNING - Brake Wear

Do not ignore high-pitched brake wear noises. If you ignore this audible warning, you will eventually lose braking effectiveness, which may lead to a serious accident.