144
Driving and the environment
Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service
Schedule.
WARNING (continued)
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Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
If you drive with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after
heavy rainfall or after washing the car, the braking effect will be reduced as
the brake discs will be wet, or possibly frozen (in winter): the brakes must be
“dried” through careful braking.
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions
before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 162, “Modifications”.
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If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
The brake fluid must be changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use of
the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system for
too long. This prevents the brakes developing their full braking effect.
WARNING
Catalytic converter*
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.
To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
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New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction
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Always use unleaded petrol.
Do not run the fuel tank dry.
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also
applies when new brake pads are fitted.
For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil
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If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
On steep descents if the brakes are excessively used they will over heat
⇒ page 175, “Topping up engine oil ”.
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Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed
and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear if
your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine
braking and relieves the brakes.
⇒ page 214.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest qualified workshop. In general, the exhaust warning lamp will light
up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 60. If this happens,
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment.
The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
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Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
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Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.
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