Chrysler 2009 Aspen Hybrid - Manual (Page 12)

CAUTION!
Car wash equipment damage, vehicle damage or a
potential accident event could result if the car wash
facility instructions for PARK, NEUTRAL, DRIVE
and REVERSE are not followed.
Hybrid Vehicle Operating Characteristics
Your Hybrid vehicle operates differently compared to a
Non-Hybrid vehicle. The following is a description of the
major differences:
Regenerative Braking
Your Hybrid vehicle has a Regenerative Braking System
(RBS). The RBS increases the fuel economy of the vehicle,
particularly in stop-and-go city traffic. The electric mo-
tors which propel the vehicle forward can operate as
generators when braking. The RBS recharges the high
voltage battery under certain braking conditions by re-
capturing energy that would otherwise be lost while
braking. The electric power that is generated goes back
into the high voltage battery for later use, for example
when acceleration is desired.
The RBS uses conventional hydraulic friction brakes,
regenerative braking, or a combination to slow the ve-
hicle. The Hybrid power gauge indicates the amount of
regenerative braking. If the system detects slippery con-
ditions while braking, mainly friction is used to slow the
vehicle. The RBS can result in extended life of the
hydraulic service brakes; however, all inspection, sched-
uled maintenance, and service intervals for the vehicle
service brakes must be followed.
NOTE: Lighter brake pedal efforts and longer brake
pedal travel are normal Hybrid brake operations during
the first brake application. After start-up, during the first
brake application, the brake system undergoes a self-test
10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE