2005 Dodge Stratus Owner Manual Coupe - Page 174

174 STARTING AND DRIVING WARNING! Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure and possibly an accident. Driving with your foot resting or riding on the brake pedal can result in abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive lining wear, and possible brake damage. You wouldn't have your full braking capacity in an emergency. POWER BRAKES Your vehicle is equipped with power brakes as standard equipment. In the event you lose power assist for any reason (for example, repeated brake applications with the engine off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to brake the vehicle will be substantially increased over that required with the power system operating. If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capability, the remaining system will still function with some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This will be evident by increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake Warning Lamp during brake use. WARNING! • Never coast downhill with the engine OFF. Keep the engine running whenever the vehicle is in motion. If the engine is stopped while driving, the power assist servomechanism will cease to function and braking efficiency will deteriorate. • If power assist is lost or if either brake hydraulic systems lose normal capability, take your vehicle to an authorized dealer immediately. BRAKE PAD WEAR ALARM The disc brakes are equipped with an alarm device that produces a metallic sound (squeal) when the brake pads have worn down to the serviceable limit. If you hear this sound, have the brake pads replaced at an authorized dealer.