Get Braking and parking -> Braking assistance systems Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If neces-

sary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.

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 significant-

ly improve active driving safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help re-

duce 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 in-

stead 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, par-

ticularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as effectively with

difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds.

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 travel-

ing 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 by pressing the m button

⇒ꢀfig. 145. Be sure to switch ASR on again when you no longer need

less traction.

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 auto-

matically 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 Regu-

lation (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 automatical-

ly 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 safe-

ty 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 exam-

ple 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 remem-

ber 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 vehi-

cle control.

WARNING

The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other

components and systems that affect vehicle dynamics, includ-

ing but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems men-

tioned 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 circumfer-

ence 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

Fig. 145 In the center console: Button for switching ASR on and off

manually.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Braking and parking -> Braking assistance systems for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

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