Dodge 2004 Stratus Coupe - Manual (Page 172)

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 in-
creased over that required with the power system oper-
ating.
If either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capa-
bility, 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 func-
tion 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.
172 STARTING AND DRIVING