How to turn off the anti-skid function in the 2015 Volkswagen Polo?
4 Answers
To turn off the anti-skid function in the 2015 Volkswagen Polo, press the "car anti-skid" icon on the central control screen. The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) operates under the vehicle's system control, enhancing the car's stability in extreme conditions. In situations where the vehicle might skid or lose control, the system distributes power appropriately among components and applies braking to individual wheels to effectively prevent accidents. More information about ESP is as follows: 1. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is a general term for systems or programs designed to improve vehicle handling performance while effectively preventing loss of control when the vehicle reaches its dynamic limits. The electronic stability program enhances vehicle safety and handling. 2. Under certain road conditions and vehicle load conditions, the maximum adhesion force that the wheels can provide is a fixed value. In extreme situations, the longitudinal force (along the rolling direction of the wheel) and the lateral force (perpendicular to the rolling direction of the wheel) are inversely related. The electronic stability program can independently control the longitudinal braking force of each wheel, thereby influencing the lateral force and improving the vehicle's handling performance. 3. When the longitudinal force reaches its limit (such as when the wheels lock), the lateral force becomes zero, and the vehicle's lateral movement becomes uncontrollable, leading to skidding. In such cases, the vehicle may not be able to change lanes or turn as the driver intends. The electronic stability program can detect and prevent vehicle skidding. When the program detects that the vehicle is about to lose control, it applies braking force to specific wheels to help the vehicle move in the direction desired by the driver.
When repairing cars, I often encounter Volkswagen Polo owners asking how to turn off the anti-skid function, which is essentially deactivating the ESP system. For the 2015 Polo model, there's a button marked with the ESP icon near the steering wheel or on the center console. After starting the car, simply press it once, and the ESP indicator light on the dashboard will illuminate, indicating the system is turned off. However, I strongly advise against casually disabling this feature. The ESP automatically corrects steering on slippery roads, and turning it off can make the tires prone to skidding, especially dangerous at high speeds. It should only be briefly deactivated for specific situations like off-road testing or experiencing handling in snow, and must be reactivated immediately afterward. Regular maintenance should also include checking the button and wiring to prevent accidental operation.
I've been using my 2015 Polo for several years, and turning off the ESP is quite simple. Just locate the ESP button on the left side of the steering wheel, start the engine, and press it lightly. When the light comes on, it means it's off, allowing you to try drifting or other maneuvers. However, I must remind you that after turning it off, the braking and steering become more sensitive, making the car feel unstable on regular roads. Driving fast in rain or sharp turns might lead to loss of control—I've only tried it in empty parking lots. For safety reasons, Polo's ESP system is designed to protect you, so there's no need to turn it off regularly. If you can't find the button, check the owner's manual or search online Polo forums—others often share picture guides.
Turning off the anti-skid system is super easy. I've driven this model before—the ESP button is right on the center console. Just press it after starting the car, and the dashboard light will indicate it's deactivated. However, driving with it off feels freer but riskier, especially in rainy conditions where rollover becomes a possibility. I only briefly turned it off during practice sessions to experience the thrill of handling.
