2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE brakes

causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the benefits of ESC.
ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and XDL systems (see below). ESC is switched on all the time and cannot be switched off.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS helps to keep the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain the driver's ability to steer and control the vehicle. This means the vehicle is less likely to skid, even during hard braking:
x Push the brake pedal down hard and hold it there. Don't take your foot off the pedal or reduce the force on the pedal!
x Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!
x Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.
x ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.
When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or slippery surface.
Brake Assist (BAS)
The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure, maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more quickly and efficiently.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or let up on the brake.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces engine power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road conditions. Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.
ESC and ASR can help when driving on loose surfaces (such as gravel) and in deep snow. If you get stuck in deep snow, you may be able to get going again by “rocking” the vehicle back and forth. ESC and ASR recognize this special driving situation and automatically increase the speed of the front wheels. Keep pressing the accelerator and let ESC increase the speed of the front wheels to help you keep moving or get moving again.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)
EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down, EDL automatically switches on again.
XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during fast cornering. XDL applies enough brake pressure to this wheel in order to stop the slippage. This improves traction, which helps the vehicle stay on track.

WARNING
Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious personal injury for you and your passengers.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide tempt you into taking extra risks.
x Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the other systems!
x Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and “hydroplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.
x These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.
x Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire traction.
x When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the accelerator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems mentioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.
x Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.
x Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire/wheel combination can change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems work and reduce their effectiveness.
x The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted ⇒ page 198, Tires and wheels.
All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly. Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the engine power when it is not expected.
If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.
You may hear noises when these systems are active.

accelerator. For Hill Hold to work, the engine must be running and the vehicle must be in First Gear or Reverse (manual transmission) or in Drive (D), Sport Drive (S), or Reverse (R) (automatic transmission) and you must use the foot brake to hold the vehicle before starting to move.
Hill Hold keeps the brake applied for not quite 2 seconds with the same force you used to prevent the vehicle from moving. This gives you time to take your foot off the brake, let the clutch out on a manual transmission vehicle, and gently depress the accelerator to get the vehicle moving again. If you do not depress the accelerator pedal and get the vehicle moving again within this time, the brakes will release and the vehicle will roll downhill. Furthermore, if any requirement for engaging Hill Hold is no longer met while the vehicle is stopped, Hill Hold disengages and the brakes are automatically released and will no longer hold the vehicle.
Hill Hold is activated automatically when points 1 to 3 are met at the same time:

Step Manual transmissionAutomatic transmission
1. Hold the stopped vehicle on an incline with the foot or parking brake.
2. The engine must be running “smoothly.”
3.
A manual transmission vehicle must be in 1st gear (1) if headed up a hill or in Reverse (R) if backing up a hill; you must hold the clutch down and the foot brake must be depressed to keep the vehicle from moving.
An automatic transmission vehicle must be in Reverse (R), Drive (D), or Sport Drive (S) and the foot brake must be depressed to keep the vehicle from moving.
4. To drive off, take your foot off the brake pedal as you let the clutch out and gently depress the accelerator within 2 seconds.
To drive off, take your foot off the brake pedal and gently depress the accelerator within 2 seconds.
Hill Hold is immediately deactivated:
x If any requirement listed in the table above is no longer met.
x If the engine is not running smoothly or the engine malfunctions.
x If the engine stalls or is switched off.
x Automatic transmission vehicles: If the transmission is in Neutral (N).
x Automatic transmission vehicles: If a tire does not have enough road contact (such as when the vehicle is tipped or at an angle).
WARNING
The intelligent technology of Hill Hold cannot overcome the laws of physics. Never let the increased convenience provided by Hill Hold tempt you into taking risks.
x The Hill Hold feature cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations (for example, if the surface is icy or slippery).
x Hill Hold can only help keep the vehicle from moving for less than 2 seconds. After that, the brakes will be released and the vehicle can roll down the hill.

Car wash
Pay close attention to the information provided by the car wash operator. Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions to help prevent damage, such as closing the windows, folding back the outside mirrors, etc. If you have installed additional accessories on the vehicle, such
as a spoiler or an antenna, always ask the car wash operator if this poses a problem ⇒ .
The paint finish is tough enough that the vehicle can normally be washed without problems in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the type of car wash. Volkswagen recommends using brushless car wash facilities.
To remove wax residue from the windows and avoid jerky windshield wiper movement, heed the following tips, Cleaning windows and outside mirrors.
Washing by hand
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse off as much dirt as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing mitt or brush using only light pressure. Start on the roof and work down. Use special shampoo only on hard-to-remove dirt or grime.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Clean the wheels and under the door sills last. Use a different sponge or wash mitt.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the wet brakes or, in winter, brake discs or pads coated with ice, react slower and need longer stopping distances.
x Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.
CAUTION
Sharp edges under the vehicle can cut exposed skin.
x Always protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings, etc.
NOTICE
x The water temperature must not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).
x To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
x Do not use insect sponges, abrasive kitchen sponges or similar things to clean the vehicle. These can damage the paint finish.
x Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. For best results use soapy water.
x When washing or rinsing the vehicle in cold weather, do not let water get into the lock cylinders or point the hose at gaps around the doors, hood, or luggage compartment lid. The water could freeze on the locks and seals and make it difficult to open the vehicle!
NOTICE
To help prevent vehicle damage in a car wash:

WARNING
Towing a vehicle changes the way it handles and brakes. To help reduce the risk of an accident and serious personal injury, note the following:
x The driver of the vehicle that is being towed:
– Since the brake booster also does not work when the engine is stopped, you will need to press harder on the brake pedal to slow down or stop. Always be alert so as not to rear-end the towing vehicle.
– Will have to use considerably more force to turn the steering wheel because the power steering is not working.
x The driver of the vehicle that is doing the towing:
– Must accelerate gradually and gently and avoid jerking movements.
– Must not brake hard or steer sharply.
– Must brake earlier and more gently than in normal driving.
NOTICE
x Be careful not to damage the paint when installing and removing the towing eye and the cover for the threaded hole behind the bumper.
x Unburned fuel can get into the catalytic converter during towing and damage it.
Towing on a commercial tow truck