2009 Pontiac G8 Owner's Manual - Page 185

Driving and Operating As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have ABS. 8-19 Braking in Emergencies With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Electronic Stability Program The vehicle has the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions by reducing engine power and applying the brakes to individual wheels. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates if it senses that the rear wheels are spinning too much, are beginning to lose traction or if it senses that the vehicle is not moving in its intended direction. It turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started. When ESP is working, this light and the STABILITY CONTROL ASSISTANCE message will come on and the ESP CTRL message will be displayed at the bottom of the DIC. The STABILITY CONTROL ASSISTANCE message will remain on while the system is working until the 3 button is pressed to display the trip computer. The ESP CTRL message stays on at the bottom of the DIC while the system is working. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.