Power brakes
Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes that adjust automatically through normal usage.
If the vehicle is not on or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the brakes will not work. You can still stop your vehicle by applying greater force to the brake pedal than typical. The stopping distance will be longer than with power brakes.
When the vehicle is not on, the reserve brake power is partially depleted each time the brake pedal is applied. Do not pump the brake pedal when the power assist has been interrupted.
Pump the brake pedal only when necessary to maintain steering control on slippery surfaces.
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When depressing the brake pedal in poor weather conditions your vehicle may make a squealing sound. This is not a brake malfunction but a normal condition.
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When driving on a recently deiced road, the vehicle may make noise from the brake or tire. Under safe traffic conditions, repeatedly depress the brake pedal to remove the deicing chemicals on the brake disc and pad.
Brake Pedal
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will create abnormally high brake temperatures which can cause excessive brake lining and pad wear.
Steep Hill Braking
Avoid continuous application of the brakes when descending a long or steep hill. Continuous brake application will cause the brakes to overheat and could result in a temporary loss of braking performance.
Wet brakes may impair the vehicle's ability to safely slow down; the vehicle may also pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Applying the brakes lightly will indicate whether they have been affected in this way. Always test your brakes in this fashion after driving through deep water. To dry the brakes, apply them lightly while maintaining a safe speed until brake performance returns to normal.
Do not depress the brake pedal continuously without the READY indicator ON. The battery may discharge.
In the event of brake failure
If the brakes fail to operate while the vehicle is in motion, you can make an emergency stop with the parking brake. The stopping distance, however, will be much greater than normal.
Parking Brake
Avoid applying the parking brake to stop the vehicle while it is moving except in an emergency. Applying the parking brake while the vehicle is moving at normal speeds can cause a sudden loss of control. If you must use the parking brake to stop the vehicle, use caution.
Disc brakes wear indicator
When your brake pads are worn and new pads are required, you will hear a high-pitched warning sound from your front or rear brakes. This sound may or may not occur whenever you depress the brake pedal.
Always replace the front or rear brake pads as pairs.
Replace Brake Pads
Do not continue to drive with worn brake pads. Continuing to drive with worn brake pads can damage the braking system and result in costly brake repairs and can also lead to a serious accident.
Brake Wear
Do not ignore high pitched wear sounds from your brakes. If you ignore this audible warning, you will eventually lose braking performance which could lead to a serious accident.