Information on the brakes
Running in brake pads
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during around the first 200 to 300 km(around 100 bis
200 miles) 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.
Brake pad wear
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 correspondingly qualified workshop. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
External influences on the brakes
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. The braking force must be higher than can
be decelerated by recuperation in order to apply the brake pads. Engage position when performing these braking
operations so that recuperation is not used for braking. Please ensure that no other vehicles and no road users are
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 → . The braking force must be stronger than that which recuperation
can retard in order to grind off the salt layer by applying the brake pads. Engage position when performing these
braking operations so that recuperation is not used for braking. Please ensure that no other vehicles and no road
users are put at risk as a result of this action →
.
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. Engage position
when performing these braking operations so that recuperation is not used for braking. Please ensure that no other
vehicles and no road users are put at risk as a result of this action →
.
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system can lead to loss of control of the vehicle, accidents and
serious or fatal injuries.
● If you have reason to believe that the brake pads are worn or the brake system is faulty, go to a suitably qualified
workshop immediately and have the brake system checked and have any worn brake pads replaced. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
WARNING
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during around the first 300 km(around 200 miles) and must
first be bedded in. An insufficient braking effect can increase the risk of accidents. This can cause severe or fatal
injuries.
● Increase the pressure on the brake pedal if you notice that the braking effect is reduced.
● Drive with particular care with new brake pads to reduce the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control
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