Audi A5 Owner's Manual page 199

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Switching off
The ESP should normally be left switched on at all times. If required,
you can press the ESP OFF button to switch off the traction control
system (ASR) or the electronic stabilisation program (ESP).
Switching off the traction control system (ASR): Press the ESP
button briefly. The traction control system (ASR) can be switched off
in special driving conditions, e.g. if you are driving with snow chains
⇒ page 198. The message ASR off will appear in the display.
Switching off the ESP/traction control system (ASR): Press the
ESP button for longer than 3 seconds. The ESP/ASR warning lamp
lights up when the system is switched off, see ⇒ page 16. The
message ESP switched off will appear in the display.
WARNING
The ESP is not able to overcome the physical limits of adhesion.
Even with ESP, you should always adjust your speed to suit the
conditions. Please bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery
road surfaces. Do not let the extra safety provided tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
Please note that, when the ESP or ESP/traction control system
(ASR) is switched off, the driven wheels may start to spin, causing
the vehicle to lose grip, in particular on slippery or wet roads -
danger of skidding!
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the car's
active safety system. However, the ABS will not necessarily guar-
antee shorter stopping distances in all conditions. For instance, on
loose gravel or fresh snow on top of an icy surface (conditions which
anyway require extreme care and reduced speed), the stopping
distance with ABS may even be slightly longer.
Controls
How the ABS works
The system runs an automatic self-check when the car reaches a
road speed of about 6 km/h. This may be accompanied by a noise
from the ABS pump.
If one of the wheels is turning too slowly in relation to the road
speed, and is close to locking up, the system will reduce the pres-
sure in the brake line to this wheel. The driver is made aware of this
control process by a pulsating of the brake pedal and accompa-
nying noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or
more of the wheels is tending to lock up and the ABS control func-
tion has intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake
pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application
- do not "pump" the brake pedal.
The grip provided by ABS is still subject to the physical limits of
adhesion. Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery
roads. 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
provided tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can
cause accidents.
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, this is indicated by a
warning lamp ⇒ page 18.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve
optimum braking effect.
The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to
achieve a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake
Safety Driving tips General maintenance
Intelligent technology
WARNING
Note
Self-help
197
Technical data