►Audi A3  ►Setting off  ►Driving  ◀Electro-mechanical parking brake
Centre console: Parking brake
Fig. 1 Centre console: Parking brake
The electro-mechanical parking brake replaces the handbrake.
Pull switch -A- Fig. 1 to apply the parking brake. The warning lamps in the switch and in the instrument cluster display will light up.
To release the parking brake, press the brake or accelerator pedal with the ignition switched on and simultaneously press the switch -A-. The warning lamps in the switch and on the display will go out.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electro-mechanical parking brake. The parking brake replaces the conventional handbrake, and is mainly intended to prevent the vehicle from rolling away accidentally.
However, the electro-mechanical parking brake also offers a number of convenience and safety features in addition to the functions of a normal handbrake.
When driving away
  • The parking brake auto release function releases the parking brake automatically when you wish to start moving ►Link.
  • When driving away on a gradient, the parking brake auto release function prevents the vehicle from rolling back unintentionally. The braking force of the parking brake is only released when there is enough power at the wheels to make the vehicle move in the desired direction.
Emergency braking function
An emergency braking function enables you to stop the vehicle even if the conventional foot brake should fail to work ►Link.
WARNING!
  • The accelerator pedal must on no account be pressed inadvertently when a gear is engaged and the engine is running with the vehicle stationary. The vehicle could otherwise start moving immediately and possibly cause an accident.
  • It is not possible to apply the parking brake if the electrical power supply fails. In this case, park the vehicle on a level surface and select 1st gear (manual gearbox) or move the selector lever to position P (automatic gearbox) to prevent it from rolling. Obtain professional assistance.
Note
  • The warning lamps in the switch and in the instrument cluster display will go out after a while when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched off.
  • The parking brake is applied automatically if the selector lever is not in position P or N when the driver's door is opened. This is to prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling away.
  • Any slight noise which may be heard when the parking brake is applied or released is quite normal and no cause for concern.
  • The parking brake runs an automatic test cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is parked. This may cause a slight noise, which is normal.
  • If the warning lamp appears, there may be a parking brake malfunction ►Link.
  • If the electrical power supply fails, it is not possible to release the parking brake (if it was applied) or to apply the parking brake (if it was released) WARNING!. Obtain professional assistance.

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