Volvo S60 - Manual (Page 121)

03 Your driving environment
Brakes
03
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction. 121
Brake system
The brake system is a hydraulic system con-
sisting of two separate brake circuits. If a prob-
lem should occur in one of these circuits, it is
still possible to stop the vehicle with the other
brake circuit.
If the brake pedal must be depressed farther
than normal and requires greater foot pressure,
the stopping distance will be longer.
A warning light in the instrument panel will light
up to warn the driver that a fault has occurred.
If this light comes on while driving or braking,
stop immediately and check the brake fluid
level in the reservoir.
NOTE
Press the brake pedal hard and maintain
pressure on the pedal – do not pump the
brakes.
WARNING
If the fluid level is below the MIN mark in the
reservoir or if a brake system message is
shown in the information display: DO NOT
DRIVE. Have the vehicle towed to a trained
and qualified Volvo service technician and
have the brake system inspected.
Brake pad inspection
On vehicles equipped with a jack*, the condi-
tion of the brake pads can be checked by rais-
ing the vehicle (see page 290 for information
about using the jack and removing a wheel)
and performing a visual inspection of the brake
pads.
WARNING
• If the vehicle has been driven immedi-
ately prior to a brake pad inspection, the
wheel hub, brake components, etc., will
be very hot. Allow time for these com-
ponents to cool before carrying out the
inspection.
• Apply the parking brake and put the
gear selector in the Park (P) position.
• Block the wheels standing on the
ground, use rigid wooden blocks or
large stones.
WARNING
• Use the jack intended for the vehicle
when changing a tire. For any other job,
use stands to support the vehicle.
• The jack should be kept well-greased
and clean, and should not be damaged.
• Be sure the jack is on a firm, level, non-
slippery surface.
• No objects should be placed between
the base of jack and the ground, or
between the jack and the attachment
bar on the vehicle.
• The jack must correctly engage the jack
attachment.
• Never allow any part of your body to be
extended under a vehicle supported by
a jack.
Brake lights
The brake lights come on automatically when
the brakes are applied.
Adaptive brake lights
The adaptive brake lights activate in the event
of sudden braking or if the ABS system is acti-
vated. This function causes an additional tail-
light on each side of the vehicle to illuminate to
help alert vehicles traveling behind.
The adaptive brake lights activate if: