Information on the brakes
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must
first be “run in” → . However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
applying more pressure to the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is
longer when the brakes are depressed fully or during emergency braking than with brake pads
that have been fully run in. In the run-in period, the brakes should not be depressed fully and
situations should be avoided that create a heavy load on the brakes, e.g. when driving up close to
the vehicle ahead.
The wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the vehicle
is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is used for regular urban
trips or short journeys and is driven with a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be regularly
checked by a qualified workshop.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or
after washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or
possibly iced up (in winter). The brakes must be “dried” as quickly as possible by careful braking
at higher speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a
result of this action →
.
Any salt layer accumulating on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the
braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that
have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking →
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of
inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used or if they are
corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking
strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other
road user is put at risk as a result of this action →
.
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
●
If the warning lamp lights up either alone or together with a text message in the
instrument cluster display, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake pads
checked and the worn brake pads replaced.
WARNING
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
●
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 300 km and must
first be “run in”. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying more pressure to the
brake pedal.
●
●
You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads in order to reduce
the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.
Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never create a
driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance.
●
When driving downhill, the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very
quickly.
●
Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce your speed and select a higher
recuperation level. This will make use of the electric drive braking effect and relieve the load
on the brakes.
●
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause
them to overheat.
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