Get While driving -> Braking, stopping and parking Guide for Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

CAUTION

The gear-change indicator is only designed to assist the driver and cannot replace the driver's

own judgement.

•

The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations, e.g. when

overtaking or when driving up and down hills.

Driving in the correct gear can reduce fuel consumption.

The display on the gear-change indicator will disappear when the clutch pedal is depressed.

In some vehicles the gear recommendation may be displayed on the screen of the portable

navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of

parts.

Braking, stopping and parking

Introduction

This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:

⇒ Warning and indicator lamps

⇒ Handbrake

⇒ Parking

⇒ Information on the brakes

⇒ Brake assist systems

⇒ Brake fluid

The brake assist systems are the electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBV), anti-lock

brake system (ABS), the brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential lock (EDS), traction

control (TC), the traction control system (TCS) and the electronic stabilisation programme (ESC).

Additional information and warnings:

•

Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems

Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres

Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs

and renewal of parts

WARNING

Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious

injuries.

•

If you have reason to believe that the brakes are worn down or the brake system is faulty,

go to a qualified workshop immediately and have the brake system checked and have any

worn brake pads replaced.

WARNING

Incorrect parking can cause serious injuries.

•

Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The

steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer or control the

vehicle.

•

Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with

inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.

•

Always apply the handbrake fully when the vehicle is parked.

Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could

release the handbrake, move the selector lever or gearshift lever and thus set the vehicle

in motion. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

•

Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can still

be started and electrical equipment such as the window controls still can be operated,

potentially causing serious injury.

Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could

become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to

safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low

temperatures, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or

fatalities, especially for small children.

NOTICE

•

To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly

and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.

•

Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects

that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when

parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels

touch the bollards or kerbs.

•

Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other

objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the

running gear, engine or exhaust system could be damaged.

Warning and indicator lamps

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Lit up

Solution

Possible cause ⇒

Handbrake is applied.

⇒ Handbrake.

Do not drive on!

Brake system fault.

Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault

in the brake system.

Do not drive on!

Brake fluid level is too low.

Check brake fluid level ⇒ Brake fluid level.

Do not drive on!

In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp

: ABS and EDV not functioning.

Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault

in the brake system.

Switch the ignition on and off. If necessary,

drive a short distance.

ESC switched off by the system.

ESC fault.

Proceed to a qualified workshop.

In conjunction with ABS indicator lamp

: ABS fault.

Proceed to a qualified workshop. The

vehicle can be braked without ABS.

Drive a short distance at a speed of

15 – 20 km/h (10 – 12 mph). If the indicator

lamp remains lit up, the vehicle should be

checked by a qualified workshop ⇒ Vehicle

battery.

Vehicle battery has been reconnected.

Traction Control fault or switched off for Go to qualified workshop ⇒ Traction Control

system-related reasons.

System (TCS) or Traction Control (TC).

In conjunction with ESC indicator lamp

: ABS fault.

Proceed to a qualified workshop. The

vehicle can be braked without ABS.

Lit up

Solution

Possible cause ⇒

In conjunction with warning lamp

ABS and EBV not functioning.

Do not drive on!

Seek expert assistance immediately ⇒ Fault

in the brake system.

Brake pedal not depressed.

To select a position, press the brake pedal.

Flashes Possible cause

Solution

Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt

driving style to suit road conditions.

ESC/TCS is taking corrective action.

Remove foot from accelerator pedal. Adapt

driving style to suit road conditions

⇒ Traction Control System (TCS) or

Traction Control (TC).

Traction Control active.

Flashing: vehicle with an automated

manual gearbox is not secured from

rolling away.

Apply the handbrake.

Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is

switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and

to accidents and serious injuries.

•

Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.

Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.

WARNING

Driving with poor brakes can result in accidents and serious injuries.

•

If the brake warning lamp

does not go out, or if it lights up when driving, the brake

fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the vehicle

immediately and seek expert assistance ⇒ Brake fluid.

•

If the brake warning lamp

lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp

, the

control function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly

when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If

possible, reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified

workshop in order to have the brake system tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving

manoeuvres on the way.

•

The ABS is not functioning correctly if the ABS indicator lamp

does not go out or

comes on while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal

brakes only (without ABS). The protection provided by ABS is no longer available.

Proceed to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

NOTICE

Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.

Handbrake

Fig. 100 Handbrake between the front seats

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Applying the handbrake

•

Pull the handbrake lever up firmly with the locking button ⇒ Fig. 100 (arrow) pressed.

•

The handbrake is applied when the indicator lamp

⇒ Warning and indicator lamps.

lights up in the instrument cluster

Releasing the handbrake

•

Lift the handbrake lever up slightly and press the lock button ⇒ Fig. 100 (arrow).

•

Guide the handbrake lever down whilst the lock button is pressed.

WARNING

Incorrect use of the handbrake can cause accidents and serious injuries.

•

The handbrake should never be used to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies. The

braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always use

the foot brake.

Never drive the vehicle with the handbrake lightly applied. This can overheat the brakes

and adversely affect the brake system. It can also cause premature wear to the rear brake

pads.

Never activate the accelerator from the engine compartment if a position or gear has been

selected and the engine is running. The vehicle can start to move even if the handbrake is

applied.

NOTICE

To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly

and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.

An acoustic warning is given if the car is driven faster than approximately 6 km/h (4 mph)

with the handbrake applied.

Parking

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

Please adhere to relevant legislation when stopping and parking your vehicle.

Stopping the vehicle

The steps should only be carried out in the specified order.

•

Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒

Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.

Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ Handbrake.

With an automated manual gearbox, move the selector lever to position D or R.

Switch off the engine and take your foot off the brake pedal.

Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.

Turn the steering wheel slightly if necessary to engage the steering lock mechanism.

With a manual gearbox, select first gear for flat ground and uphill inclines, or reverse gear for

downhill inclines, and then release the clutch.

•

Please ensure that all occupants, in particular children, leave the vehicle.

Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.

Lock the vehicle.

Additional points for ascending and descending inclines

Before switching off the engine, turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels will roll against the

kerb if the parked vehicle starts to move.

•

When facing downhill, turn the wheels so that they face the kerb.

When facing uphill, turn the wheels so that they face the centre of the road.

WARNING

The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious

injuries.

•

Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with any

inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.

NOTICE

•

To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly

and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.

•

Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects

that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when

parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels

touch the bollards or kerbs.

•

Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other

objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the

running gear, engine or exhaust system could be damaged.

Information on the brakes

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first

be run in ⇒

. However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by applying

more pressure to the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is longer when

the brakes are depressed fully or during emergency braking than with brakes that have been fully

run in. In the run-in period, the brakes should not be depressed fully and situations that create a

heavy load on the brakes should be avoided. For example, when driving too close to the vehicle

ahead.

The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the

vehicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. With regular urban trips, short

journeys and a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be checked by a qualified workshop more

regularly than stated in the service schedule.

When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after

washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly

iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher

speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of

this action ⇒

Any layer of salt accumulated on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the

braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that

have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒

Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of

inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used, or if they are at

all corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking

strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road

user is put at risk as a result of this action ⇒

Fault in the brake system

A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as

normal (sudden increase in braking distance). This is indicated by the warning light

nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault corrected. Drive at low speed when doing

this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an increase in the pressure required on the

pedal.

. Go to the

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 ⇒

WARNING

New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.

•

New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 320 km and must

first be run in. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying more pressure to the

brake pedal.

•

You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads in order to reduce

the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.

Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never create

a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.

WARNING

Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance.

•

When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very

quickly.

•

Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or

move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect

and relieve the load on the brakes.

•

Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause

them to overheat.

WARNING

Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer

braking distances.

•

Carefully apply the brakes to test them.

Always dry brakes and clean off any coating of ice and salt with a few cautious

applications of the brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.

WARNING

Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus

cause accidents and serious injuries.

•

Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.

If the brake servo does not function 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.

NOTICE

•

Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to

brake. Continual pressure on the brake pedal will overheat the brakes. This can

considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, in certain

circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.

•

Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or

move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect

and relieve the load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail.

The brakes should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.

If the front brake pads are tested, the rear brake pads should be tested at the same time.

Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the

underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check.

Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Brake assist systems

First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒

Introduction

The brake assist systems ESC, ABS, EBV, BAS, TCS, TC and EDL will only function when the

engine is running. They make a considerable contribution to active driving safety.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

The ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability by braking individual

wheels in certain driving situations. The ESC detects critical driving situations such as oversteer,

understeer and wheelspin. The system supports the stabilisation process for the vehicle by targeted

braking or by reducing engine torque.

ESC has its limitations. It is important to realise that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics.

ESC will not be able to assist in every situation faced by a driver. For example, ESC will not be able

to assist every time that there is a sudden change in the road surface quality. If a section of dry

road is suddenly covered with water, mud or snow, ESC will not be able to assist in the same

manner as on a dry road. If the vehicle aquaplanes (drives on a layer of water rather than on the

road surface), ESC will not be able to assist in steering the vehicle as the contact to the road

surface has been interrupted and it is therefore no longer possible to steer or brake the vehicle.

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

cannot defy the laws of motion, improve the available power output, or keep the vehicle on the road

if insufficient care and attention on the part of the driver causes the vehicle to leave the road.

Instead, ESC increases the possibility of keeping the vehicle under control and, in extreme on-road

driving situations, it assesses the driver’s steering input and helps the vehicle to continue in the

required direction. If the vehicle is driving at a speed that leads it to leave the road before the ESC

can provide any kind of support, the ESC will be unable to provide any assistance.

The ABS, BAS, TCS and EDL systems are integrated into the ESC. The ESC is always on.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The ABS prevents the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up until the point where the

vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle and keeping it under

control. This means that the vehicle is less likely to spin, even when the brakes are depressed fully:

•

Depress and hold the brake pedal with force. Do not take your foot off the brake pedal or

reduce the force on the brake pedal!

•

Do not pump the brake pedal or reduce the pressure on the brake pedal!

Steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is fully depressed.

The ABS will switch off when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the brake pedal is

reduced.

If the ABS is taking corrective action, there is a pulsing movement in the brake pedal and some

noise. However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all conditions. The

braking distance could even be longer when braking on gravel or on fresh snow covering an icy or

slippery surface.

Electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBD)

Every vehicle's centre of gravity moves forwards whenever the brake is operated. This means that

the rear wheels are in danger of locking due to the lower traction. The electronic brake pressure

distribution system controls the brake pressure for the rear wheels and thereby ensures the

optimum distribution of brake pressure between the front and rear axles. Under normal conditions,

the system will prevent the rear from breaking away if too much brake pressure if applied to the rear

wheels. The electronic brake pressure distribution system is included in the ABS' scope of

functions.

Brake Assist system (BAS)

The brake assist system can help to reduce the braking distance. The brake assist system

reinforces brake pressure hydraulically when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an

emergency situation. As a result, full braking power is made accessible very quickly, brake pressure

is increased and the braking distance reduced. In this way, the ABS is activated more quickly and

more effectively.

Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal. The brake assist system will switch off the

hydraulic brake servo automatically when the brake pedal is released or if the pressure on the

brake pedal is reduced.

Traction Control System (TCS) or Traction Control (TC)

The TCS or TC reduces the engine output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit road

surface conditions. TCS or TC helps the car to start moving, accelerate and climb gradients in

unfavourable road conditions.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)

The EDL is available for normal driving on straight roads. EDL brakes the wheel that has lost

traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive wheel. To prevent the disc brake of the

braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The

EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.

While driving -> Braking, stopping and parking for Your Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

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