Electronic Stability Program (Esp ® ) - Suzuki VITARA Series Manual

OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE
Electronic stability program
®
(ESP )
®
ESP is a registered trademark of Daimler
AG.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
helps to control the vehicle during corner-
ing if front wheels or rear wheels skid. It
also assists you in maintaining traction
while accelerating on loose or slippery
road surfaces. It does this by regulating
the engine's output, and by selectively
applying the brakes. In addition, ESP
helps to avoid skidding by controlling brak-
ing pressure.
WARNING
®
The ESP cannot enhance the vehi-
cle's driving stability in all situations
and does not control your vehicle's
entire braking system. The ESP
not prevent accidents,
those resulting from excessive speed
in turns, or hydroplaning. Only safe
and attentive drive can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP
equipped vehicle must never be used
as a substitute for careful driving.
3-153
®
The ESP has the following three sys-
tems:
Stability control system
The vehicle stability control system helps
provide integrated control of systems such
as anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine
®
)
control, etc. This system automatically
controls the brakes and engine to help pre-
vent the vehicle from skidding when cor-
nering on a slippery road surface or when
turning the steering wheel abruptly.
®
Traction control system
The traction control system automatically
helps prevent the spinning of wheels when
the vehicle is started or accelerated on
slippery road surfaces. The system oper-
ates only if it senses that some of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system
®
can-
operates the front or rear brakes and
including
reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
®
-
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS will help you avoid skidding by elec-
tronically controlling braking pressure. It
will also help you maintain steering control
when braking on slippery surfaces or when
braking hard. The ABS works automati-
cally, so you do not have to use any spe-
cial braking technique. Just push the brake
pedal down without pumping. The ABS will
operate whenever it senses that wheels
are locking up. You may feel the brake
pedal pulsate while the ABS is operating.
(For more information on ABS, see "Brak-
ing" in this section.)
NOTE:
The ABS will not work if vehicle speed is
under about 9 km/h (6 mph).
WARNING
®
• The ESP may not work properly if
tires or wheels other than those
specified in the owner's manual are
used. When replacing tires or
wheels, use only the size and type
specified in this owner's manual.
®
• The ESP may not work properly if
tires are not inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure.
®
• The ESP may not work properly if
tires are fitted with tire chains.
(Continued)