Driving
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
braked by the ESC.
– Wet conditions
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
– Low temperatures, ice, and snow
– Roads covered in salt
– Dirty brake pads
– You are pressing the accelerator pedal.
– The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that would be initiated by the system.
– The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning.
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en frequently or for long distances. In this case,
braking heavily several times while driving at
WARNING
– Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
high speeds can clean the brake rotors ð
.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
– Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
– Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
– During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
place your foot under the brake pedal.
Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Note
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
– Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. The properties of the material may also
cause noise, especially when driving at lower
speeds. Ceramic brakes also absorb more mois-
ture in wet conditions. Therefore, there will tem-
porarily be less braking force than when the
brakes are dry. You can compensate for this by
pressing the brake pedal harder.
– Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill ðpage 110. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
Tips
– If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
– Also refer to the information about brake
fluid ðpage 247.
107
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