2001-2008 Skoda Superb SUV Driving Tips -> Intelligent Technology User Manual
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Driving Tips -> Intelligent Technology for Your Skoda Superb SUV First Generation (2001-2008)

Intelligent Technology 155  
Driving Tips  
Intelligent Technology  
Operating principle  
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*  
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a  
self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It also  
processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive  
sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle about its vertical axis, the lateral accel-  
eration of the vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.  
General  
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering  
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual  
behaviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid, the  
ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.  
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is braked.  
Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front wheel of  
a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle to break  
away) while occurs this is on the inner rear wheel of a vehicle which tends to under-  
steer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle is accompanied  
by noises.  
Fig. 163 ESP switch  
General  
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 159, “Antilock brake system  
(ABS)”. If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.  
The ESP aids you maintain control of your vehicle in situations in borderline driving  
situations such as when negotiating a curve too fast. The risk of skidding is reduced  
and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on the conditions of the  
road surface. This occurs at all speeds.  
The ESP warning light ⇒ page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a  
fault on the ESP.  
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:  
Switching off  
You can switch the ESP off and on again as you wish, by pressing the button  
⇒ fig. 163. The ESP warning light ⇒ page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster  
when the ESP is switched off.  
•
•
•
•
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),  
Traction control system (TCS),  
Antilock brake system ABS,  
Brake Assist.  
The ESP should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice to switch  
the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you desire wheel slip.  
Examples:  
•
when driving with snow chains,  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  
156 Intelligent Technology  
•
•
when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,  
when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.  
Traction control system (TCS)*  
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning  
when accelerating.  
then you should switch on the ESP again.  
WARNING  
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the  
vehicle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your  
style of driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation.  
This particularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The  
increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than other-  
wise - risk of an accident!  
Fig. 164 TCS switch  
Note  
•
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-  
free operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an  
undesirable reduction in the engine output.  
General  
The TCS makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate  
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.  
•
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-  
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP ⇒ page 205.  
Operating principle  
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts a  
self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the  
ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road surface is  
automatically adapted by reducing the engine speed. This occurs at all speeds.  
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 159, “Antilock brake system  
(ABS)”. The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.  
The TCS warning light ⇒ page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a  
fault on the TCS.  
Switching off  
You can switch the TCS off and on again as you wish by pressing the button  
⇒ fig. 164. The TCS warning light ⇒ page 28 lights up in the instrument cluster  
when the TCS is switched off.  
Intelligent Technology 157  
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice to switch  
the system off only in particular exceptional situations if you desire wheel slip.  
Operating principle  
The EDL is activated automatically, that is without any action on the part of the  
driver. It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors.  
Should only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an  
appreciable difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes  
the slipping wheel and the differential transmits a greater driving force to the other  
driven wheel. This control process is also accompanied by noises.  
Examples:  
•
•
•
when driving with snow chains,  
when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,  
when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.  
then you should switch on the TCS again.  
Overheating of the brakes  
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to  
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being  
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a  
vehicle not fitted with EDL.  
The EDL ⇒ page 157, “Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)” is a part of the TCS. THE  
EDL operates independently of the TCS (also when the TCS has been switched off  
using the TCS button).  
The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.  
WARNING  
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road  
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt  
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident!  
WARNING  
•
Depress the accelerator carefully when accelerating on uniformly slip-  
pery road surfaces, such as ice and snow. The driven wheels might still spin  
despite the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!  
Note  
•
You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road  
•
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-  
free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to  
an undesirable reduction in the engine output.  
surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.  
The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than  
otherwise - risk of an accident!  
•
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-  
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS ⇒ page 205,  
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.  
Note  
•
If the ABS warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL.  
Please have the car inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.  
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)  
•
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-  
The electronic differential lock prevents an individual wheel from  
slipping.  
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL ⇒ page 205,  
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.  
General  
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate  
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance  
Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  
158 Intelligent Technology  
Low brake fluid level  
Brakes  
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The  
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically ⇒ page 29, “Brake system ”.  
What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?  
Wear-and-tear  
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions  
of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in towns  
and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be neces-  
sary to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage  
between the service inspections.  
WARNING  
•
Only apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake  
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users  
in jeopardy.  
•
When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one  
must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced  
otherwise the braking system could run too hot.  
Wet roads or road salt  
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain condi-  
tions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after the  
vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs and  
brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You  
should dry the brakes as soon as possible (by applying and releasing the brakes  
several times, if the road conditions and the traffic situation allows it).  
•
Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking  
efficiency until approximately 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first  
“run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however,  
compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pres-  
sure on the brake pedal. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads  
installed at a future date.  
There also may be a certain delay before the full braking efficiency is available when  
driving on roads which have been treated with road salt if you have not used the  
brakes for some considerable time beforehand. The layer of salt on the brake discs  
and brake pads must first be rubbed off when you apply the brakes.  
Caution  
•
Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to  
brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer  
braking distance and excessive wear.  
Corrosion  
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been  
parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking system.  
•
Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed, shift  
down into the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower driving stage  
(automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the  
vehicle and reduces the strain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done  
intermittently, not continuously.  
We recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes at a fairly  
high speed if you do not make much use of the braking system or if surface corro-  
sion is present ⇒  
.
Faults in the brake surface  
If you notice that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the  
brake pedal can be depressed further, it is possible that a brake circuit of the dual-  
circuit brake system has failed. Drive, in such cases, to the nearest specialist garage  
without delay in order to have the problem rectified. Drive at a reduced speed while  
on your way to the dealer and adapt your style of driving to the higher brake pedal  
pressure required.  
Brake booster  
The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal.  
The necessary pressure is only generated when the engine is running.  
Intelligent Technology 159  
WARNING  
WARNING  
•
•
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.  
•
The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please  
do not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the  
ABS is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to  
the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased  
safety offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than  
otherwise - risk of an accident!  
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater  
physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because  
if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.  
•
The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.  
Antilock brake system (ABS)  
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.  
General  
Visit a specialist garage as quickly as possible and adjust your style of driving  
to take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know how  
great the damage is.  
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle.  
Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain  
optimal steering ability even during a full brake application on a slippery road  
surface because the wheels do not lock up.  
Note  
•
•
A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system ⇒ page 29.  
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or other assign-  
ment of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS ⇒ page 205,  
“Accessories, changes and replacement of parts”.  
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all  
circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel  
and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be  
longer.  
Brake Assist*  
Operating principle  
As soon as the vehicle speed has increased to about 6 km/h an automatic test  
procedure is conducted during which you will be able to hear a pumping noise for  
about 1 second.  
During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases  
the braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure  
required in the brake system.  
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is  
too low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is notice-  
able from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by  
noises. This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that  
the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake  
pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this  
braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!  
The majority of drivers do apply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations,  
but do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Consequently, it is not  
possible for the car to achieve its maximum deceleration and the car covers a  
greater distance than necessary.  
The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In such  
cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake applica-  
tion. This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake pedal,  
to produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time,  
which is required for maximum deceleration of the car. You must apply the brake  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance  
Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  
160 Intelligent Technology  
pedal firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest possible  
braking distance.  
Note  
•
Have the steering inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage if there is  
a leak or fault in the system.  
The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency  
situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully  
exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of  
the Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal  
way.  
•
The power steering requires a special hydraulic oil. The oil reservoir is located  
at the front left of the engine compartment ⇒ page 186. The correct hydraulic oil  
level is important for proper operation of the power steering system.  
WARNING  
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)  
•
The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your  
car in terms of the braking distance required.  
Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic  
situation.  
In the diesel particle filter the resulting soot particles are collected  
and burnt during the combustion of diesel fuel.  
•
•
The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to  
take a greater safety risk than otherwise.  
Power steering  
Power steering assists the driver in steering the vehicle and reduces the physical  
force needed for steering.  
The steering characteristics can be changed by a specialist garage.  
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine  
is not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical  
effort is required.  
Fig. 165 Vehicle data  
sticker  
If the steering is turned to full lock when the car is stationary, you will place great  
stresses on the power steering system. Turning the steering to full lock in such a  
situation will be accompanied by noises. In addition, the idling speed of the engine  
will drop briefly.  
Code 7GG on the vehicle data sticker ⇒ fig. 165 indicates that your  
vehicle is equipped with a diesel particle filter. The vehicle data sticker is  
located on the floor of the luggage compartment and is also stated in the  
Service schedule.  
Caution  
The diesel particle filter filters the soot particles completely from the exhaust. The  
soot is collected in the diesel particle filter and burnt regularly. To assist this proce-  
dure, we recommend not to drive regularly over short distances.  
Do not leave the steering at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is  
running - risk of damaging the power steering!  
Intelligent Technology 161  
If the diesel particle filter is clogged or there is a fault, it is indicated by the warning  
light ⇒ page 25, “Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine)”.  
WARNING  
•
The diesel particle filter achieves very high temperatures. Therefore do  
not park at points where the hot filter comes into direct contact with dry  
grass or other combustible materials - risk of fire!  
•
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection  
agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filter or  
heat shields. When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these  
substances might ignite - risk of fire.  
Note  
• When using diesel fuel with high sulphur content the life of the diesel particle  
filter is clearly reduced. A specialist garage will be able to tell you which countries  
use only diesel fuel with high sulphur content.  
Using the system  
Safety  
Driving Tips  
General Maintenance  
Breakdown assistance  
Technical Data  

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