Braking a car (VW Golf 4)

The intensity of brake pad wear depends primarily on the operating conditions and driving style of the vehicle. Wear is particularly high in urban traffic conditions and when the vehicle is used mainly over short distances with frequent stops or with a pronounced sporty driving style. In these cases, it is strongly recommended to additionally carry out a control check of the condition of the brake pads at a Volkswagen service center between scheduled maintenance. On vehicles with brake pad wear sensors, the control lamp signals the extreme wear of the front brake pads.

When driving on long descents, the engine's braking properties should be used, for which it is necessary to shift to lower gears in a timely manner. This reduces the load on the brake mechanisms. If there is a need for additional braking using the service brake system, it should be used at intervals, not continuously.

What reduces braking efficiency?

Under certain driving conditions, such as driving through water for a long time, in heavy rain, or after washing the car, there may be some delay in the brakes being activated due to moisture on the brake discs and pads (and also due to the presence of frost in winter). It is necessary to dry the discs and pads in a timely manner by activating the working brake system.

A delay in the full operation of the brake mechanisms may be observed when driving on roads sprinkled with salt. In the event that the brake pedal has not been used for a relatively long time, when the brake mechanisms are turned on, the working surfaces of the brake discs and pads are first cleaned of the layer of salt that has formed on them.

Overheating of brake mechanisms

Never "grind" the brake pads by pressing the brake pedal unnecessarily. This leads to overheating of the brake mechanisms, longer braking distances and increased brake wear.

Before driving down a long, steep descent, reduce speed and shift into a lower gear (manual transmission) or choose a lower level (automatic transmission). This will take advantage of the engine's braking properties and make the brakes work easier.

When installing various spoilers, full-size mudguards, etc. on a vehicle during operation, it is necessary to ensure that this does not impair the air supply to the front brake mechanisms, otherwise the brake mechanisms will heat up too much.

Brake booster (vacuum brake booster)

[The article is posted on the portal: VWManual.ru]

The brake booster operates using the vacuum created only when the engine is running. Therefore, never coast the car with the engine off.

If the brake booster is not functioning, for example when the vehicle is being towed or if the booster is faulty, it is necessary to press the brake pedal significantly harder to compensate for the lack of additional force on the brake drive created during normal operation of the booster.