Factors negatively affecting the braking effect
Wear
The wear of the brake pads is largely determined by the operating conditions and driving style. Wear is greatly accelerated by frequent urban driving and short distances or by sporty driving.
Wet weather or road salt
In certain situations, for example, after driving through water, in heavy rain or after washing the car, the braking effect may be delayed due to moisture, and in winter even icing of the brake linings or discs may occur. In this case, dry the brakes by braking.
A delay in the braking effect is also possible after a long break in the use of the brakes when driving on roads sprinkled with salt. First of all, remove the layer of salt on the brake discs and linings by braking.
Corrosion
The appearance of corrosion of the brake discs and contamination of the linings contributes to a long idle period of the car, low mileage and low loads of the brake system.
When the brake system is under low load, as well as when corrosion occurs, it is recommended to clean the brake discs and linings by sufficiently strong repeated braking at an average vehicle speed.
Brake system malfunction
A sudden increase in brake pedal travel may be due to the failure of one of the circuits of the dual-circuit brake system. Immediately contact the nearest specialized company for troubleshooting. At the same time, drive slowly and on the road, remember to increase the force on the brake pedal and increase the braking distance.
Low brake fluid
If the brake fluid level drops, the brake system may malfunction. The brake fluid level is electronically controlled.
Carefully
- Never brake lightly on the brake pedal unless you really need to. This leads to overheating of the brakes and thus to longer braking distances and increased wear.
- When driving downhill for a long time, reduce the speed first, shift to the next lower gear (Manual Transmission) or reduced range (Automatic transmission). This uses the braking effect of the engine and reduces the load on the braking system. Brake if necessary at intervals, not for a long time.
Brake booster
The brake booster assists braking.
The brake booster increases pressure when the brake pedal is pressed. The booster only works when the engine is running.
Note. When the brake booster does not work, for example, due to damage to it or the need to tow the car, the force on the brake pedal must be much greater than usual.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up when braking.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) significantly contributes to the improvement of the active safety of the car. The decisive advantage of an ABS braking system compared to a conventional braking system is that the wheels do not lock even during emergency braking on slippery roads. Thanks to this, the controllability and stability of the car is maintained to the maximum extent.
However, you cannot count on the fact that thanks to ABS, the braking distance will be shorter under all circumstances. When driving on gravel or fresh snow lying on top of a slippery road, when it is already necessary to drive extremely carefully and at a minimum speed, the braking distance may even increase slightly.
How ABS works
When the vehicle reaches a speed of approximately 6 km/h, an automatic control process takes place. In this case, you can hear the noise of the pump.
When a wheel tends to lock up, the pressure in the brake actuator of that wheel is reduced. This regulation process is noticeable by the pulsation of the brake pedal and is accompanied by characteristic noise manifestations. Thus, the driver is specially given a warning signal about the operation of one or more wheels in a mode close to skidding. In order to obtain the optimum control effect of the ABS in this mode, keep the brake pedal depressed and under no circumstances apply the brakes in several strokes!
Note. A malfunction of the ABS is signaled by a control lamp.
Emergency brake booster
The emergency brake booster helps to increase the braking force.
The Brake Assist helps to increase the braking force and thereby shorten the braking distance. When the brake pedal is depressed very quickly, the emergency brake booster automatically increases the braking force to its maximum, up to the intervention of the anti-lock braking system of the brake system (ABS). Keep the brake pedal depressed until the desired braking effect is obtained. As soon as the pedal is released, the emergency brake assist is automatically deactivated.
In case of failure of the anti-lock braking device (ABS) the emergency brake booster is not working.
Power steering
Power steering assists in steering the vehicle while the engine is running.
Power steering makes driving easier. As a result, the driver needs to apply only a small amount of effort to control the car.
The power steering only works when the engine is running. In this case, much more effort must be applied to the steering wheel.
Every full turn of the wheels when the vehicle is stationary is a heavy load on the power steering and is accompanied by noise. In addition, the idling speed is reduced for a short time.
Turning the steering wheel to the stop with the engine running must not last more than 15 seconds - risk of damage to the power steering!
Note. If the power steering fails or when driving with the engine off (towing) vehicle control is fully preserved. However, more force must be applied to the steering wheel.
Servotronic system
The Servotronic electronic controller controls the power steering.
On vehicles with Servotronic, the electronic controller controls the operation of the power steering depending on the vehicle speed.
In the event of a failure of the Servotronic system, the operation of the power steering is maintained. However, the amplification efficiency is no longer adjusted according to the driving speed. Failure of the electronic governor is most clearly recognized by an unusual increase in effort on the steering wheel when maneuvering (those. at low speed). The fault must be repaired by a specialist company as soon as possible.
Four-wheel drive (quattro®)
An all-wheel drive vehicle is driven by all four wheels.
All-wheel drive of your car works fully automatically. Torque is distributed to all 4 wheels automatically, optimally adapted to the vehicle's driving dynamics and specific road conditions.
Thanks to the all-wheel drive concept, which was developed with a focus on high engine power, your Audi is an extremely efficient vehicle with excellent driving characteristics both in normal traffic conditions and in extreme conditions, in snow or ice. That is why it is imperative to follow certain safety rules.
Winter tires
All-wheel drive vehicles even with serial tires in winter conditions have good traction and dynamic qualities. Despite this, in winter it is recommended to fit all 4 wheels with winter tires or tires designed for all weather. This improves, above all, braking efficiency,
Anti-skid chains
The rules requiring the mandatory use of snow chains also apply to all-wheel drive vehicles.
Tire change
On the wheels of all-wheel drive vehicles, it is allowed to install only the same type of tires.
Is your Audi an off-road vehicle?
Your Audi is not a off-road vehicle. The ground clearance is too low for this. Therefore, avoid driving on dirt roads.
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