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 suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.
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. 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 → . 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. 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 an
authorised Volkswagen repairer.
WARNING
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during around the first 300 km (around 200 miles) and must first be run 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 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
Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This can significantly reduce the braking performance, increase the braking
distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle
and can lead to accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
● Never “ride” the brake pedal or depress the brake pedal too often and for too long.
WARNING
When driving downhill, the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very quickly. Overheated brakes reduce the
braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and can lead to
accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
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