Audi Q5: Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC)

Description

The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) reinforces driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and improves driving stability. ESC detects critical situations such as the vehicle oversteering and understeering or the wheels spinning. The vehicle is stabilized by applying the brakes or reducing engine torque. Once the ESC is active, the indicator light blinks in the instrument duster.

The following systems are integrated in the ESC:

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up when braking. The vehicle can still be steered even during hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Do not pump the pedal. A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the system is helping you to brake the vehicle.

Brake assist system

The brake assist system can decrease braking distance. It increases braking power when the driver presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency situations. You must press and hold the brake pedal until the situation is over. In vehicles with adaptive cruise control, the brake assist system is more sensitive if the distance detected to the vehicle ahead is too small.

Anti-slip regulation (ASR)

ASR reduces engine power when the drive wheels begin to spin and adapts the force to the road conditions. This makes it easier to start, accelerate and drive up hills.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)

The EDL brakes wheels that are spinning and transfers the drive power to the other wheels. This function is not available at higher speeds.

In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off to help keep the brake on the braked wheel from overheating. EDL will switch on again automatically when conditions have returned to normal.

Steering recommendation

The ESC helps to stabilize the vehicle by changing the Steering torque.

On vehicles with dynamic steering, ESC helps stabilize the steering in critical situations.

Selective wheel torque control

Selective wheel torque control is used when driving on curves. The front wheel on the inside of the curve or both wheels on the inside of the curve are braked selectively as needed. This allows more precise driving in curves. The applicable system may not activate when driving in wet or snowy conditions.

WARNING

• The ESC and its integrated systems cannot overcome the laws of physics. This is especially important on slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should immediately change your speed to match the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the increased safety provided by these systems tempt you to take risks. Doing so will increase the risk of a loss of vehicle control, collision and serious personal injuries.
• Always adapt your speed to road, traffic and weather conditions. The risk of losing control of the vehicle increases when driving too fast, especially through curves and on slippery or wet roads, and when driving too close to vehicles up ahead. The ESC and its integrated systems cannot always prevent collisions - there is still a risk of accidents!
• Always accelerate with special care on even, smooth surfaces such as those that are wet or covered with ice and snow. The drive wheels can spin even with these assistance systems that cannot always help to reduce the risk of loss of vehicle control.

Tips

• ABS and ASR only work correctly when all four wheels are equipped with identical tires. Different tire sizes can lead to a reduction in engine power.
• You may hear noises when the systems described are working.
• When installing a factory-supplied roof rack system on the roof railing, the ESC will adapt itself to a different center of gravity.

Switching on/off

ESC turns on automatically when you start the engine.

Fig. 185 Version A: Lower center console, OFF button

 Fig. 186 Version B: Upper center console, OFF button

The following situations are exceptions where it may be useful to switch on offroad mode to allow the wheels to spin:

• Rocking the vehicle to free it when it is stuck
• Driving in deep snow or on loose ground
• Driving with snow chains
• Driving downhill while braking on loose ground
• Driving on rough terrain when much of the car's weight is lifted off the wheels (axle articulation)

WARNING

• You should only switch offroad mode on if your driving abilities and road conditions permit.
• The stabilization function is limited when offroad mode is switched on. The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle could swerve, especially on slick or slippery road surfaces.

Tips

Offroad mode cannot be switched on when adaptive cruise control is switched on.

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