DRIVER CORRECTION DEVICES AND AIDS

Depending on the vehicle, this is composed of:

- anti-lock braking system (ABS);

- electronic stability control (ESC) with understeer control, traction control and assistance with side winds;

- emergency brake assist;

- hill start assistance.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Under heavy braking, the ABS prevents the wheels from locking, allowing the stopping distance to be managed and keeping control of the vehicle.

Under these circumstances, the vehicle can be steered to avoid an obstacle whilst braking. In addition, this system can increase stopping distances, particularly on roads with low surface grip (wet ground etc.).

You will feel a pulsation through the brake pedal each time the system is activated. The ABS does not in any way improve the vehicle's physical performance relating to the road surface and road-holding. It is still essential to follow the rules of good driving practice (such as driving at a safe distance from the vehicle in front etc.).

Operating faults:

- © and x come on on the instrument panel: ABS, ESC and emergency brake assist are deactivated. Braking is always enabled;

- x, D, © and ® come on on the instrument panel: this indicates a fault in the braking system.

In both cases, consult an approved Dealer.

Electronic stability control (ESC) with understeer control, traction control and assistance with side winds

Electronic stability control ESC

This system helps you to keep control of the vehicle in critical driving conditions (avoiding an obstacle, loss of grip on a bend, etc.).

A sensor in the steering wheel detects the direction selected by the driver.

Other sensors throughout the vehicle measure the actual direction.

The system compares driver input to the actual trajectory of the vehicle and corrects the trajectory if necessary by controlling the braking of certain wheels and/or engine power. In the event that the system is engaged, indicator light  flashes on the instrument panel.

Understeer control

This system optimises the action of the ESC in the case of pronounced understeer (loss of front axle road holding).

Assistance with side winds

This system optimises the action of the ESC and also helps to control the vehicle in case of variation of side winds. It helps maintain the vehicle trajectory through the use of the brakes.

If the system is activated, the indicator light  may flash on the instrument panel.

Traction control

This system helps to limit wheelspin of the drive wheels and to control the vehicle when pulling away accelerating or decelerating.

Using the wheel sensors, the system measures and compares the speed of the drive wheels at all times and slows down their over-rotation. If a wheel is starting to slip, the system brakes automatically until the drive supplied becomes compatible with the level of grip under the wheel again.

The system also adjusts the engine speed to the grip available under the wheels, independently of the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal.

Operating faults

When the system detects an operating fault the warning lights © and  appear on the instrument panel. In this case, the ESC and traction control system are deactivated.

Consult an approved dealer.

Emergency brake assist

This system supplements the ABS and helps reduce vehicle stopping distances.

The system allows an emergency braking situation to be detected when the brake pedal is pressed. In this case, the braking assistance immediately develops maximum power and may trigger ABS regulation.

ABS braking is maintained as long as the brake pedal is applied.

Hazard warning lights switching on

Depending on the vehicle, these may light up in the event of sudden deceleration.

Braking anticipation

Depending on the vehicle, when you rapidly release the accelerator, the system anticipates the braking manoeuvre in order to reduce stopping distances.

When using the cruise control:

- if you use the accelerator, when you release it, the system may be triggered;

- if you do not use the accelerator, the system will not be triggered.

Operating faults

When the system detects an operating fault, the warning light © comes on on the instrument panel.

Consult an approved dealer.

Hill start assistance

Depending on the gradient of the incline, this system assists the driver when starting on a hill. It prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards, depending on the slope, by automatically applying the brakes when the driver lifts his/her foot off the brake pedal to depress the accelerator pedal.

It only operates when the gear lever is in a position other than neutral (other than N or P for automatic transmissions) and the vehicle is completely stationary (brake pedal depressed)

The system holds the vehicle for approximately 2 seconds. The brakes are then gradually released (the vehicle will move according to the slope).