- The power brakes only work when the vehicle is switched on.
- If the brake pedal is used when the engine is switched off, greater pressure must be applied to brake the vehicle.
- In very hilly areas or when driving with a heavy load, gear position B can be used to augment the brakes with engine braking.
Anti-lock brakes
The vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which helps prevent the wheels from locking and helps maintain steering control when braking.
After the vehicle is started, a brief test of the ABS system is automatically performed when the driver releases the brake pedal. An additional automatic test of the system may be performed when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed.
Light braking charges the hybrid battery
When the brakes are applied lightly, the electric motor braking function is used. This converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is used to charge the hybrid battery. When the battery is being charged with the electric motor braking function, this will be indicated in the instrument panel.
When the battery is being charged with the electric motor braking function, this will be indicated in the instrument panel.
This function is active at speeds in the range of 150-5 km/h (93-3 mph). When braking at speeds outside of this range, or during harder braking, the hydraulic braking system is used to augment braking. This is indicated in the instrument panel with the pointer down in the red area.
Symbols in the instrument panel
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| | Check the brake fluid level. If the level is low, fill the brake fluid and check to determine the reason for the loss of brake fluid. |
| | Fault in the pedal sensor. |
| | Steady glow for 2 seconds after the engine is started: Automatic function check. Steady glow for more than 2 seconds: Fault in the ABS system. The vehicle’s regular brake system is still working, but without the ABS function. |
| | If the message Brake pedal characteristics changed Service required is displayed, the “Brake-by-wire” system is not functioning properly. Greater pressure will be required to brake the vehicle. |
If the warning symbols for both brake fault and ABS fault are lit simultaneously, there may be a fault in the brake system.
- If the level in the brake fluid reservoir is normal when this happens, contact Polestar Customer Support.
- If the brake fluid has fallen below the MIN level in the brake fluid reservoir, the vehicle should not be driven until the brake fluid has been filled. The reason for the brake fluid loss must be checked.
Braking on salted roads
This could increase stopping distance. Maintain an extra-large safety distance to the vehicle ahead. Make sure to also:
- Apply the brakes from time to time to help remove salt. Make sure braking does not pose a risk to any other road users.
- Gently apply the brakes when you have finished driving and before driving again.
Braking on wet roads
- Prolonged driving in heavy rain without braking may cause braking effect to be slightly delayed the first time the brakes are applied.
- This may also occur after washing the vehicle. It will then be necessary to apply greater pressure to the brake pedal. You should therefore maintain a greater distance to the vehicle ahead.
- Firmly apply the brakes after washing the vehicle or driving on wet roads. This helps warm up the brake discs, enabling them to dry more quickly and protecting them against corrosion. Consider the current traffic situation when braking.
Maintenance of the brake system
- Regularly check the brake system components for wear.
- To keep the vehicle as safe and reliable as possible, follow the Polestar service intervals specified in the Status and Warranty booklet. After replacing brake pads and brake discs, braking effect is not adapted until they are “broken in” by driving a few hundred kilometers (miles). Compensate for the reduced braking effect by applying greater pressure to the brake pedal. Polestar recommends only using Polestar-approved brake pads.
- The brake system’s components should be regularly checked for wear.
- Contact Polestar Customer Support for information on procedures.