Anti-Lock Brake And Traction Control Systems M-Abs (Abs And Asr) - Seat ALTEA Owner's Manual

CAUTION
● Never let the brakes "drag" by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and select a lower gear. This makes use of engine braking and re-
lieves the brakes. If you still have to use the brakes, it is better to brake
firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes continuously.
Note
● If the brake servo is not working, for example if the car has to be towed
or the unit is faulty, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler
or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. Before purchasing accesso-
ries please observe the relevant instructions ⇒ p age 195, Technical modifi-
cations.
Anti-lock brake and traction control systems
M-ABS (ABS and ASR)
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake (ABS) system prevents the wheels locking during brak-
ing and is an important part of the vehicle's active safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.
The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake
Safety Operation
pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one
or more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has
intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully de-
pressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not "pump".
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is re-
tained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
● The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
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⇒ p age 221.
● If the running gear or brake system is modified, the effectiveness of
the ABS could be severely limited.
Drive wheel traction control system (ASR)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning when
the vehicle is accelerating.
Description and operation of the traction control system during
acceleration (ASR
On front-wheel drive vehicles, the ASR system intervenes, reducing engine
power and preventing the driven wheels from slipping during acceleration.
Advice
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Technical specifications
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