Power Brakes

Your vehicle is equipped with power-assisted brakes that adjust automatically through normal application.

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

When the engine is not running, the reserve braking power is partially used up with each depression of the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal when Power Assist has been interrupted.

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

WARNING

Brakes

• Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will create abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive brake lining and pad wear, and increased stopping distances.
• When descending a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and avoid continuous brake application. Continuous braking will overheat the brakes and may result in a temporary loss of braking effectiveness.
• Wet brakes may reduce the vehicle's ability to stop safely; the vehicle may also pull to one side when braking. A light brake application will show whether they have been affected in this way. Always check your brakes in this mode after driving through deep water. To dry the brakes, apply them lightly while maintaining a safe forward speed until braking effectiveness returns to normal.
• Always confirm the position of the brake pedal and accelerator pedal before driving. If you do not check the position of the accelerator and brake pedals before starting to drive, you may instead press the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal. This may result in a serious accident.

In Case of Brake Failure

If the service brakes do not operate while the vehicle is in motion, you can make an emergency stop using the parking brake. However, the braking distance 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, use extreme caution when applying the brake.

Disc Brake Wear Indicator

Your vehicle has disc brakes.

When the brake pads are worn and require replacement, you will hear a high-pitched squealing 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 depressed). This is normal and does not indicate a problem with your brakes.

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 needs service. If you ignore this audible warning, you will eventually lose braking effectiveness, which may lead to a serious accident.

Rear Drum Brakes (if equipped)

Your rear drum brakes do not have a wear indicator. Therefore, inspect the rear brake shoes if you hear a squeal from the rear brakes. Also, have the rear brakes inspected every time you rotate or replace the tires and when replacing the front brakes.