2011 Volvo C70 Owner's Manual - Page 150

06 Starting and driving Brake system Brake lights The brake lights come on automatically when the brakes are applied. 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. Power brakes function only when the engine is running The power brakes utilize vacuum pressure which is only created when the engine is running. Never let the vehicle roll to a stop with the engine switched off. If the power brakes are not working, considerably higher pressure will be required on the brake pedal to compensate for the lack of power assistance. This can happen for example when towing your vehicle or if the engine is switched off when the vehicle is rolling. The brake pedal feels harder than usual. Adaptive brake lights The adaptive brake lights activate in the event of sudden braking or if the ABS system is activated. This function causes an additional taillight on each side of the vehicle to illuminate to help alert vehicles traveling behind. The adaptive brake lights activate if: NOTE Press the brake pedal hard and maintain pressure on the pedal - do not pump the brakes. • The ABS system activates for more than approximately a half second • In the event of sudden braking while the vehicle is moving at speeds above approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) When the vehicle has come to a stop, the brake lights and additional taillights remain on for as long as the brake pedal is depressed or until braking force on the vehicle is reduced. 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 Volvo retailer and have the brake system inspected. Water on brake discs and brake pads affects braking Driving in rain and slush or passing through an automatic car wash can cause water to collect on the brake discs and pads. This will cause a delay in braking effect when the pedal is depressed. To avoid such a delay when the brakes are needed, depress the pedal occasionally when driving through rain, slush, etc. This will remove the water from the brakes. Check that brake application feels normal. This should also be done after washing or starting in very damp or cold weather. 06 Brake circuit malfunction The brake system is a hydraulic system consisting of two separate brake circuits. If a problem should occur in one of these circuits, it is still possible to stop the vehicle with the other brake circuit. 150