FIAT Punto 2012 - Manual (Page 101)

99
KNOWING
YOUR
VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can tell the ABS system has come into action
because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: it means that the vehicle speed should be al-
tered to suit the type of road surface.
MECHANICAL BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system (which cannot be deactivated) recognises
emergency braking conditions according to the speed of
operation of the brake pedal and provides an additional
hydraulic braking pressure to support that provided by the
driver. This allows faster and more powerful operation
of the braking system.
IMPORTANT When the Mechanical Brake Assist is acti-
vated noises can be heard from the system. This is nor-
mal. Anyway, while braking keep the brake pedal de-
pressed.
ABS SYSTEM
If you have never driven a vehicle with ABS before, it is ad-
visable to perform a few tests on slippery ground, always
in safe conditions and respecting the highway code of the
country where you are driving. Read the following infor-
mation carefully.
This system, which is an integral part of the braking sys-
tem, prevents one or more wheels from locking and skid-
ding on all road surface conditions, irrespective of the in-
tensity of the braking action, ensuring that the vehicle can
be controlled even during emergency braking.
The system is completed by EBD (Electronic Braking Force
Distribution), which distributes the braking action between
the front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT For the maximum efficiency of the braking
system, a bedding-in period of about 500 km is needed (for
a new vehicle or after having replaced the brake
pads/discs): during this period it is better to avoid sharp,
repeated and prolonged braking.
The ABS system gets the most out of the
available grip but it cannot improve it.
Therefore, you should take great care when
driving on slippery surfaces: don’t take unneces-
sary risks.
WARNING
If the ABS cuts in, it is a sign that the grip
between tyre and the road surface has
reached the limit: you must slow down to match
the speed to the road grip available.
WARNING