Skoda Rapid Owner's Manual page 73

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you
will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Applying the handbrake
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing the handbrake
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 64.
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided

the ignition is on.
» page 18, Brake system .
Fig. 64
Centre console: Handbrake
|Electronic stability control (ESC)
Ð
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
The ESC helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being op-
erated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel.
The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability
depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the stabilisation control (ESC):
›
Antilock brake system (ABS)
›
Traction control (TCS)
›
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
›
Brake assistant (HBA)
›
Hill hold control (HHC)
It is not possible to deactivate ESC. You can only use the button
switch off ASR. The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when
the TCS is switched off .
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
Ð
the system in certain exceptional circumstances, such as:
›
when driving with snow chains;
›
when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
›
when it is necessary to "rock a vehicle free" when it has got stuck.
Fig. 65
ESC system: TCS button
flashes in the instru-

» Fig. 65 to

71
Starting-off and Driving
£