ESP increases the car's stability. It reduces the tendency to skid and
improves the stability and roadholding of the vehicle. ESP detects critical
handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on
the driven wheels. It stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels
or by reducing the engine torque. The indicator lamp
in the instrument
cluster starts flashing as soon as the ESP intervenes.
in the instrument
cluster starts flashing as soon as the ESP intervenes.
The ESP incorporates the functions of the anti-lock brake system (ABS),
the brake assist system, the traction control system (ASR), the electronic
differential lock (EDL), the dynamic steering*,
the trailer stabilisation system*
Link and the electronic limited slip differential*
or selective wheel torque control*.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking until the
vehicle has reached a virtual standstill. You can continue to steer
the vehicle even when the brakes are on full. Keep your foot on
the brake pedal and do not pump the brakes. You will feel the brake
pedal pulsate while the anti-lock brake system is working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can shorten the braking distance. The braking
force is automatically boosted if you press the brake pedal quickly
in an emergency. You must keep pressing the brake pedal until the
danger has passed. On vehicles with adaptive cruise control*,
the response of the brake assist system will be more sensitive if
you are too close to the vehicle in front.
Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the
engine torque to match the amount of grip available. This helps
the car to start moving, accelerate or climb a gradient.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and
directs the power to the other driven wheel (or wheels on quattro*
versions). This function is active up to about 100 km/h.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating,
the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads.
The vehicle can still be driven. The EDL will switch on again automatically
when the brake has cooled down.
Dynamic steering*
On vehicles with dynamic steering, the ESP can also intervene in
the steering to stabilise the vehicle in critical situations.
Trailer stabilisation system*
Trailers have a tendency to sway. If the ESP detects that the trailer
is swaying and this is affecting the towing vehicle, it will automatically
brake the vehicle in order to stabilise the trailer.
Electronic limited slip differential*
/ selective wheel torque control*
An electronic limited slip differential (front-wheel drive) or selective
wheel torque control function (four-wheel drive) intervenes when
cornering by braking the unladen wheel(s) on the inside of the bend
individually as required. This minimises understeer and neutralises
the car's handling under power to enable precision cornering. The
relevant system may not intervene in the wet or snow.
WARNING!
- The grip provided by the ESP, ABS, ASR, EDL, dynamic steering*, trailer stabilisation* and electronic limited slip differential* or selective wheel torque control* systems is still subject to the physical limits of adhesion. Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice the systems cutting in, you should reduce your speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
- Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close behind the vehicle in front of you. Please bear in mind that even ESP, ABS, brake assist, EDL, ASR, dynamic steering*, trailer stabilisation* and electronic limited slip differential* or selective wheel torque control* systems cannot compensate for the increased accident risk.
- When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance all four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and carefully. The driven wheels may otherwise start to spin (in spite of the integrated control systems), which would impair the car's stability and could lead to an accident.
Note
- To ensure that the ABS and ASR systems work properly, all four wheels must be fitted with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
- The systems can make noises when they intervene.
- If the indicator lamp
or
appears,
there may be a malfunction
Link.