Contents
4
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passive Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The physical principle of a frontal collision . . . . . .
Important safety information regarding the use of seat
belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How are seat belts correctly fastened? . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of the airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What you should know about transporting children!
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attaching a child seat us ing the “ISOFIX” system .
Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uphill Start Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre pressure monitoring system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . .
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads . . . . . . .
To w i n g a t r a i l e r
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your ve hicle and cleaning the
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Biofuel Ethanol E85* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of category N1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car) .
Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption according to the ECE standards and
EU guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./90 kW TSI - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4, EU2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI - EU5, EU2 DDK (1.8 ltr./112 kW TSI -
EU5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./147 kW TSI - EU5, EU2 DDK . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.9 ltr./77 kW TDI PD - EU4, EU3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR - EU4, EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR - EU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
141141141142145145145146147150150151153155157159159161164165167167167170171171171172172172173175175176
176179180180181182182185185185185189192192192194195196196198200202203207208208214214214214
215215215215215216216217217221222226226229237237237237237237237238239240242244246248250252254256258260
s43s.1.book Page 4 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Cockpit9
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
CockpitOverviewThis overview will help you to quic kly familiarise yourself with the
displays and the control elements.
Electric power-operated window* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric exterior mirror adjustment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
Turn signal light, headlight and parking light, headlight flasher . .
Speed regulating system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering wheel:
with horn
with driver airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
with pushbuttons for radio, navi gation system and mobile phone*
Instrument cluster: Instruments and indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for the multi-functional switch:
Multi-functional indicator* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield wiper and wash system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for heating on the driver's seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the dash panel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
Radio*
Navigation*
Control dial for heating on the front passenger seat* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Switch for the front passenger ai rbag* (in front passenger storage
compartment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front passenger airbag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fuse box (on side of dash panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Light switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control dial for the instrument lighting and control dial for the headlight
beam range regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bonnet release lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment on the driver's side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
Operating controls for the heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating controls for Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating controls for Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TCS switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front and rear parking aid* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
Gearshift lever (manual gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selector lever (automatic gearbox*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depending on equipment fitted:
Front ashtray - high centre console* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage compartment* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indicator light for a switched off front seat passenger airbag* . . . . . .
Note
Cars with factory-fitted radio or naviga tion system are supplied with separate
instructions for operating such equipment.
The arrangement of the control elements on right-hand drive models may differ to
some extent from that shown in page 8, fig. 1 . However the symbols correspond to
the individual control elements.
A1
46
A2
65
A3
94
A4
57113
A5
151122
A6
15
A7
1961
A8
73
A9
94
A10
56
A11
87
A12A13
73
A14
86
A15
157
A16
151
A17
226
A18
51
A19
55, 56
A20
196
A21
87
A22
10
A23
107
A24
9597100
A25
169
A26
112
A27
110118
A28
172
A29
8388
A30
157
s43s.1.book Page 9 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Instruments and warning lights25
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
In certain countries, if a yellow symbol appears
one warning signal will sound as well.
If several operational faults of priority 2 exist, the symbols appear one after the other
and are each illuminated for about 5 seconds.
SetupYou can change certain setti ngs by means of the information display. The current
setting is shown on the information display in the respective menu at the top below the
line.
You can select the following information (d epending on the equipment installed on
the vehicle):
Language
MFD Data
Convenience
Lights & Vision
Time
Winter tyres
Units
Assistants
Alt. speed dis.
Service Interval
Factory Setting
Back
After selecting the menu point Back you will reach one level higher in the menu.
Language
Here you can set in which language the warning and information texts should be
displayed.
Displays of the MFA
Here you can switch off or on certain displays of the multi-functional indicator.
Comfort*
You can set the following f unctions (depending on the equipment installed on the
vehicle):
Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty
page 35
Brake pad worn
page 34
Problem with engine oil pressure
It is also important to have the vehi-
cle inspected without delay by a spe- cialist garage. The information about the maximum permissible engine
speed is displayed together with this symbol.
Rain closing
On vehicles with rain sensor you can switch on or off the
function for automatic closing of the windows and the
sliding/tilting roof in case of ra in and locked vehicle. If it is
not raining and the function is set, the windows including
the sliding/tilting roof are closed automatically after
approx. 12 hours.
Door open
Here you can switch on or off the functions for opening a
single door and automatic closing.
ATA c onfirm
Here you can set if a signal tone should sound additionally
when activating or deactivating the anti-theft alarm system
.
Window op.
Here you can set the convenience mode only for the driver
window or for all the windows.
s43s.1.book Page 25 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Instruments and warning lights33
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Selector lever lock*
If the green warning light
lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in
order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Further information about the selector lever lock page 116.
Tyre inflation pressure*
The warning light
lights up, if there is a substantia l drop in inflation pressure in one
of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the inflation
pressure in the tyres page 208.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage and
have the fault rectified.
Further information about the tyre pressure monitoring system page 172.
WARNING
When the warning light
lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvr es. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and in spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light
can be delayed or does not light up at all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light
comes on after switching on
the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
The warning light
shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched on
or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed. A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the igni tion, does not light up at all or lights up
while driving. The vehicle will only be br aked by the normal brake system. Visit a
specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will
not know how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS page 171, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
comes on together with the brake system warning light
(handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in another
part of the brake system .
WARNING
If the brake system warning light
comes on together with the ABS
warning light
stop the vehicle immediately an d check the brake fluid level in
the reservoir page 202, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the
MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain professional
assistance.
Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 197, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.
If the brake fluid is at the correct leve l, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapi dly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault
rectified.
Bonnet
The warning light
comes on if the bonnet is unlocked. If the bonnet unlocks while
driving, the warning light lights up
and as a warning an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
s43s.1.book Page 33 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Seats and Stowage75
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg. You can imagine the inju-
ries that can occur, if this “bullet” is fl
ying through the interior compartment and hits
an occupant.
WARNING
Stow the objects in the luggage compartment and attach them to the
lashing eyes.
Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be thrown forward during
a sudden manoeuvre or in case of an accident and can injure the occupants or
other oncoming traffic. This risk is still increased, if the objects which are flying
around are hit by a deployed airbag. In this case, the objects which are thrown
back can injure the occupants - hazard.
Please note that the handling properti es of your vehicle may be affected
when transporting heavy objects as a result of the displacement of the centre of
gravity. The speed and style of driv ing must be adjusted accordingly.
The items carried in the luggage compar tment should be stowed in such a
way that no objects are able to slip fo rward if there are any sudden driving or
braking manoeuvres undertaken - risk of injury!
Never drive with the boot lid fully open ed or slightly ajar otherwise exhaust
gases may get into the interior of the vehicle - risk of poisoning!
On no account exceed the permissible axle loads and the permissible gross
weight of the vehicle - risk of accident!
Never transport occupants in the luggage compartment!Caution
Please ensure that the heating elements of the rear window heater are not damaged
as a result of objects sliding in this area.
Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load page 208.
Vehicles of category N1On vehicles of the category N1, which are no t fitted with a protective grille, a lashing
set which complies with the standard EN 12195 (1 - 4) must be used for fastening the
load.Lashing eyesFig. 65 Luggage compartment: Lashing eyes Octavia / CombiEyes are located on the sides of the luggage compartment for lashing the goods to be
loaded.
You can also attach a floor fixing net* to these eyes for holding small objects.
The floor fixing net* together with the installation instruction are stowed in a container
under the floor covering of the luggage compartment behind the spare wheel.
WARNING
The load to be transported must be fixed in place in such a way that it cannot
move during the journey and when braking.
If the items of luggage or objects are attached to the lashing eyes with
unsuitable or damaged lashing straps, inju ries can occur in the event of braking
manoeuvres or accidents. In order to prevent the items of luggage being thrown
forward, always use suitable lashing st raps which are firmly attached to the
lashing eyes.
s43s.1.book Page 75 Thursday, May 13, 2010 1:21 PM
Passive Safety141
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
SafetyPassive SafetyBasic informationDriving the safe way
Passive safety measures reduce the risk of injury in accident situations.In this section you will find important info rmation, tips and notes on the subject of
passive safety in your vehicle. We have combined everything here which you should
be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of
children. It is therefore important, in partic ular, to comply with the notes and warnings
in this section for your own interest and in the interest of those travelling with you.
WARNING
This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants. You will find further information on safety, which
concerns you and those travelling with you, in the following chapters of this
Owner's Manual.
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Safety equipment
The safety equipment is part of the occupant protection and it can
reduce the risk of injuries in accident situations.“Do not put at risk” your safety and the safety of those travelling with you . In the event
of an accident, the safety equipment can redu ce the risk of injuries. The following list
contains part of the safety equipment in your vehicle:
Three-point seat belts for all the seats,
belt force limiter for front and outer rear seats*,
belt tensioner for front seats,
seat belt height adjuster for front seats,
front airbag for the driver and the front seat passenger*,
side airbags*,
head airbags*,
anchoring points for child seat using the “ISOFIX” system,
anchoring points for child seat using the “Top Tether” system,
head restraint adjustable for height,
adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works togeth er, in order to optimally protect you and
those travelling with you in accident situat ions. The safety equipment does not protect
you or the people travelling with you, if you or your occupants adopt an incorrect
seated position or the equipment is not correctly adjusted or used.
For this reason you will be provided with information on why this equipment is very
important, how it protects you and the occupants, what should be observed when
using the equipment and how you and the peop le travelling with you can make full use
of the existing safety equipment. This Owner's Manual contains important warning
notes, which you and those travelling with you should pay attention to in order to
reduce a risk of injury.
Safety concerns everybody!
Before setting off
The driver is always fully responsibl e for his occupants and for the oper-
ating safety of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of the pe ople travelling with you, please pay atten-
tion to the following points before setting off:
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning properly.
Inspect the tyre inflation pressure.
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Intelligent Technology171
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Brake boosterThe brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal. The
necessary pressure is only genera ted when the engine is running.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater phys-
ical effort for braking is required when en gine is switched off. Because if you do
not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhanc ing the active safety of your vehicle.
Compared to a vehicle not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain
optimal steering ability even during a full br ake application on a slippery road surface
because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the br aking distance will be shorter under all
circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel and
fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too
low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is noticeable
from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that the wheels
are tending to lock (ABS control range) . You must always keep the brake pedal
depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake application in this braking
range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
WARNING
The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please do
not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the ABS
is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to the
conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety
offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise -
risk of an accident!
The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a specialist garage as quickly as poss ible and adjust your style of driving to
take account of the ABS fault in the meantime since you will not know the extent
of the fault and in how far the braking efficiency is affected.Note
A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system
page 33.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can in fluence the function of the ABS page 214, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
Brake Assist*During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increases the
braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure required in
the brake system.
The majority of drivers do a pply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations, but
do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Consequently, it is not possible
for the vehicle to achieve its maximum deceleration and the vehicle covers a greater
distance than necessary.
The Brake Assist is activated by the very qu ick operation of the brake pedal. In such
cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake application.
This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake pedal, to
produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possible time, which
is required for maximum dece leration of the vehicle. You must apply the brake pedal
firmly and hold it in this position in or der to achieve the shortest possible braking
distance.
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Intelligent Technology
172
The Brake Assist is able to help you achieve a shorter braking distance in emergency
situations by rapidly producing the pressure required in the brake system. It fully
exploits the attributes of the ABS. After you release the brake pedal, the function of the
Brake Assist is automatically switched off and the brakes operate in the normal way.
The Brake Assist is part of the ESP system. If a fault occurs in the ESP, the Brake Assist
function is also not available. Further information on the ESP page 167.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is also not able to overcome the physical limits of your
vehicle in terms of the braking distance required.
Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic situ-
ation.
The increased safety offered by the Brake Assist must not tempt you to take
a greater safety risk than otherwise.
Uphill Start Assist*The uphill start assist makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system assists a start
off by holding the brake pressure produced by the brake pedal actuation for approx. 2
seconds after releasing the brake pedal. The driver can therefore move his foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope, without having to
actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the
accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The uphill start assist is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. It is always
active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is
inactive.Electromechanical power steeringThe power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with le ss physical force.
With the electromechanical power steering , the steering assist is automatically
adapted to the speed and to the steering angle. It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the engine is
not running (vehicle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical effort
is required.
If there is a fault in the power steering, the warning light
or lights up in the instru-
ment cluster page 30.
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.Tyre pressure monitoring system*The tyre pressure monitoring system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors the
speed and also the rolling circumference of the individual wheels. If the rolling circum-
ference of a wheel is changed, the warning light
lights up in the instrument cluster
page 33 and an audible signal sounds. The rolling circumference of the tyre can
change if:
the tyre inflation pressure is too low,
the structure of the tyre is damaged,
the vehicle is loaded on one side,
the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when driving
uphill or downhill),
snow chains are mounted,
the temporary spare wheel is mounted,
Fig. 151 Button for setting the tyre
inflation pressure control value
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