Anti-slip system with wheel braking (EDS)

Vehicles with anti-lock braking system (ABS) can be additionally equipped with an anti-slip system with braking of a slipping wheel (electronically controlled differential lock).

Thanks to the differential lock, it is possible to maintain quite acceptable driving characteristics of the car (if at all possible under the circumstances) under adverse road conditions, when towing, accelerating and driving in the mountains.

The differential lock is carried out automatically, i.e. without any driver intervention.

The differential lock control device monitors the wheel speed using ABS sensors. If the road surface under one side of the vehicle is slippery, resulting in a difference in the speed of the drive wheels, at speeds up to 40 km/h, the wheel speed is equalized by braking the slipping wheel, and an increased traction force is transmitted to the other wheel through the action of the differential.

This process is marked by some noticeable noise.

To make the best use of the differential lock, the driver should adjust the operation of the accelerator and clutch pedals to the specific road conditions when pulling away.

Warning: When accelerating on slippery road surfaces such as ice and snow, use the accelerator pedal very carefully. The drive wheels can turn even in spite of the differential lock, which will adversely affect the vehicle's handling.

In order to prevent the braking mechanism of the braked wheel from heating up too much, the differential lock is automatically switched off under particularly heavy loads. The car remains operational and retains the same traction and dynamic qualities as a car not equipped with an anti-slip system with braking of a slipping wheel. For this reason, there is no indication of the traction control shutdown with braking of the slipping wheel.


As soon as the brake mechanism has cooled down, the traction control system with braking of the slipping wheel is automatically switched on again.

When the ABS warning light comes on, this may also indicate a malfunction of this traction control system. It is necessary to contact a Volkswagen service company as soon as possible.

Warning: Driving style must always be in accordance with road and traffic conditions. The increased driving safety achieved by the traction control system with braking of a slipping wheel should not be a reason for risky driving.