Get Braking and parking -> Braking assistance systems Guide for Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Sixth Generation (2008-2017)

Braking assistance systems

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL braking assistance systems work only when the engine is

running. These systems can significantly improve active driving safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help reduce the probability of skidding

and loss of vehicle control. It works only when the engine is running. ESC detects certain difficult

driving situations, including when the vehicle is beginning to spin (yaw) out of control. ESC then helps

you to get the vehicle back under control by selectively braking the wheels and/or reducing engine

power and by providing steering assistance to help hold the vehicle on the driver's intended course.

ESC has limitations. It is important to remember that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. It will

not always be able to help out under all conditions you may come up against. For example, ESC may

not always be able to help you master situations where there is a sudden change in the coefficient of

friction of the road surface. When there is a section of dry road that is suddenly covered with water,

slush or snow, ESC cannot perform the same way it would on a dry surface. If the vehicle

“hydroplanes” (rides on a cushion of water instead of the road surface), ESC will not be able to help

you steer the vehicle because contact with the pavement has been interrupted and the vehicle cannot

be braked or steered. During fast cornering, particularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as

effectively with difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds. When towing a trailer, ESC is not

able to help you regain control as it would if you were not towing a trailer.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic, and weather conditions. ESC

cannot override the vehicle's physical limits, increase the available traction, or keep a vehicle on the

road if road departure is a result of driver inattention. Instead, ESC improves the possibility of keeping

the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by using the driver's steering

inputs to help keep the vehicle going in the intended direction. If you are traveling at a speed that

causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the

benefits of ESC.

ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and XDL systems (see below).

ESC is switched on all the time. In certain situations when you need less traction or additional traction

cannot be achieved, you can switch off ASR in the Infotainment system by pressing the ꢀꢁꢂ button

followed by the ꢀ and ESC System function keys ⇒ Menu and system settings (SETUP).

Be sure to switch ASR on again when you no longer need less traction.

Automatic Post-Collision Braking System

In the event of an accident, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to reduce

the risk of skidding and the danger of secondary collisions through automatic braking.

The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System only functions in frontal, side, and rear collisions if the

airbag control unit registers the corresponding triggering threshold during the accident, and the

accident occurs at a speed greater than 6 mph (10 km/h).

The ESC brakes the vehicle automatically, provided that the hydraulic braking system, the ESC, and

the electrical system are undamaged in the accident and remain functional.

The following actions override automatic braking in the event of an accident:

ꢀ

When the driver depresses the accelerator. No automatic braking occurs.

When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the brake

pressure provided by the system. The vehicle is braked manually.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

ABS helps to keep the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain the driver's ability to steer and

control the vehicle. This means the vehicle is less likely to skid, even during hard braking:

ꢀ Push the brake pedal down hard and hold it there. Don't take your foot off the pedal or reduce the

force on the pedal!

ꢀ

Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!

Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.

ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.

When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a

noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may

even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or

slippery surface.

Brake Assist (BAS)

The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very

quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure,

maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more

quickly and efficiently.

Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or

let up on the brake.

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

ASR reduces engine power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road conditions.

Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.

ASR can be switched on or off manually ⇒ Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)

EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost

traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL

automatically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down,

EDL automatically switches on again.

XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel

slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during

fast cornering. XDL applies enough brake pressure to this wheel in order to stop the slippage. This

improves traction, which helps the vehicle stay on track.

WARNING

Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious

personal injury for you and your passengers.

ꢀ Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility

conditions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide

tempt you into taking extra risks.

ꢀ Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent

loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the

other systems!

ꢀ

Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and

“hydroplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.

These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for

conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many

ꢀ

difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire

traction.

ꢀ

When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the

accelerator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss

of vehicle control.

WARNING

The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that

affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems

mentioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.

ꢀ

Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of

the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.

Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire/wheel combination can

ꢀ

change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems work and reduce their

effectiveness.

ꢀ

The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted ⇒ Tires and wheels.

All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly.

Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the engine power

when it is not expected.

If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.

You may hear noises when these systems are active.

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) only works when the engine is running. This system includes

ABS, EDL and ASR.

ASR can be switched off in the Infotainment system by pressing the ꢀꢁꢂ button followed by ꢀ and

ESC System ⇒ Menu and system settings (SETUP) while the engine is running. Switch off ASR only

in situations where there is not enough traction, such as the following:

ꢀ

When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.

When “rocking” the vehicle back and forth when you are stuck.

Afterward, activate ASR again in the Infotainment system.

Depending on vehicle equipment, additional text messages may appear in the display on the

instrument cluster to provide further information or to ask you to perform certain tasks ⇒ Instrument

cluster.

Braking and parking -> Braking assistance systems for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Sixth Generation (2008-2017)

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