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Brake support systems -> Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for Your Volkswagen Polo SUV Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

If the parking lock is released and the handbrake is not applied, the vehicle can start moving unexpectedly when on uphill and  
downhill gradients. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.  
Never release the parking lock when the handbrake is not firmly applied.  
NOTICE  
If the vehicle rolls for an extended period or at high speed with the engine switched off and with the selector lever in the position,  
the DSG® dual clutch gearbox will be damaged.  
Do not allow the vehicle to roll for an extended period or at high speed with the engine switched off and in gear selector position ,  
e.g. when being towed.  
NOTICE  
If the gearbox becomes too hot or overheats, this can lead to increased wear or damage to the component.  
Drive faster than around 20 km/h (around 12 mph) or park the vehicle in a safe place immediately when a warning is displayed for  
the first time indicating that the gearbox has overheated.  
Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and switch off the engine if the text message and acoustic warning are repeated  
around every 10 seconds.  
Allow the gearbox to cool down.  
Continue driving only when the acoustic warning is no longer emitted.  
Avoid moving-off operations and driving at walking pace as long as the gearbox is overheated.  
Brake support systems can stabilise the vehicle in critical driving or braking situations and help to increase driving safety. The driver is  
responsible for driving safety →  
.
Continue to brake with the necessary force when a brake support system is performing a control intervention.  
Steer the vehicle if necessary.  
WARNING  
Brake support systems is not a substitute for the full attention of the driver and operate only within the limits of the respective  
system. Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads as well as driving too close to the vehicle in front can have an adverse effect on  
vehicle stability and lead you to lose control over the vehicle. If you do not pay due attention, there is a risk of accidents and serious  
or even fatal injuries.  
Always pay due attention and do not rely exclusively on the system. The driver is always responsible for all driving tasks.  
Ensure that your speed and driving style are always appropriate for the current visibility, weather and road/traffic conditions. Never  
take any safety risks.  
Always keep the footwell under the pedals clear so that the brake pedal can move freely.  
Always use suitable tyres because driving stability depends on the grip of the tyres.  
The ESC, ABS and TCS can only function properly if all four wheels are fitted with the correct tyres →  
If the ABS fails, ESC, TCS and EDS will also cease to function.  
.
The status of the brake functions is checked automatically when the ignition is switched on. The indicator lamps light up briefly and  
then go out again. If an indicator lamp remains lit up, there is a fault. Go to a suitably qualified workshop immediately. Volkswagen  
recommends using an authorised repairer.  
WARNING  
The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems which affect driving dynamics are not  
serviced properly or are not functioning properly. This applies in particular to changes to the suspension and wheel and tyre  
combinations that have not been approved. This can result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Have vehicle conversions and modifications carried out only by a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an  
authorised Volkswagen repairer.  
Always use suitable tyres because driving stability depends on the grip of the tyres.  
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)  
ESC control intervention to reduce the risk of skidding and improve driving stability . The indicator lamp flashes yellow.  
ESC can intervene with holding assistance when moving off on uphill slopes with a gradient of up to around 30% →  
.
Traction control system (TCS)  
TCS control intervention to prevent the wheels from spinning. The indicator lamp flashes yellow.  
TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit the road surface conditions. The TCS makes it easier to  
pull away, accelerate and drive up hills →  
.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)  
ABS prevents the wheels from locking during braking so that the vehicle can still be steered →  
.
Brake Assist system  
BAS can help to reduce the stopping distance. If the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency braking situation, the  
BAS will increase the braking force →  
.
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)  
EDS brakes a spinning wheel automatically and distributes the drive force to the other drive wheels.  
XDS is an extension of the electronic differential lock and improves traction by braking interventions in order to keep the vehicle on its  
intended course.  
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System  
If the airbag control unit has detected a collision in an accident situation, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System will initiate  
braking automatically.  
Requirements for automatic braking:  
The driver does not press the accelerator.  
Brake servo  
The brake servo will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied by the driver on the brake pedal.  
If the brake servo is not functioning or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be depressed more forcefully as the  
braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for the brake system →  
(→ Brake support systems).  
WARNING  
Driving without the brake servo or with restricted brake servo function can considerably increase the braking distance. This can lead  
to accidents with serious or fatal injuries.  
Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.  
Press the brake pedal with more force if the brake servo is not working or if the vehicle is being towed.  
Always keep the footwell under the pedals clear so that the brake pedal can move freely.  
Driving situations  
To prevent any safety risk, brake support systems should not be switched off under normal conditions →  
.
WARNING  
With the ESC switched off, there is a much greater chance of the vehicle breaking away. Inexperienced drivers may find it difficult to  
control the vehicle when driving at high speeds. This can result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.