Electronic Stability Control (Esc) - Seat ALTEA Owner's Manual

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*

General notes
This Electronic Stability System reduces the risk of skidding and improves
the stability and roadholding of the vehicle.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) includes the ABS, EDL, TCS and Steer-
ing manoeuvre recommendation systems.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC reduces the risk of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the car is starting to skid), then the ESC com-
pensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function included in the ESC. This function
aids the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For exam-
ple, in case of sudden braking on surfaces with non-uniform adherence, the
vehicle will tend to destabilise its trajectory to the right or to the left. In this
case, the ESC recognises the situation and assists the driver with a counter
steering manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the driver with a recommended manoeuvre in
critical situations.
The vehicle does not steer itself with this function, the driver has full control
of the vehicle at all times.
Safety Operation
WARNING
● Remember that not even the ESC can defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
CAUTION
● To ensure that the ESC works correctly, all four wheels must be fitted
with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for example, to the engine,
brake system, running gear or to the combination of wheels and tyres) may
affect the operation of the ABS, EDL, ESC and TCS.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking
⇒ p age 169.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble.
It uses the ABS sensors to monitor the speed of the driven wheels. In case
of an EDL fault the warning light for ABS lights up ⇒ p age 66.
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Technical specifications
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