The esp warning light and skidding car symbol came up from a cold start when accelerating hard to avoid an oncoming car. Continued with journey but wished I hadn’t! Fault light cleared when switched off and not returned (24 hours).

Any suggestions or pointers for my village mechanic or should I go main dealer route, Gareth 

Welcome, If you ask your village mechanic and they have not got the gear and more than an idea they should tell you who to go to.      When was the car last serviced/ brakes serviced?     You would hope a village mechanic would have a code reader, a knowledge of VW Group cars and an inspection ramp and light. 

Edited 6 September, 20214 yr by e-Roottoot

31 minutes ago, Harries said:

esp warning light and skidding car symbol came up from a cold start when accelerating hard ...! Fault light cleared when switched off and not returned (24 hours).

I can't see any obvious reason for this, although it's quite normal for ESP (or ASR) to flash if you accelerate hard in a tight turn or on a split mu surface.

I thought the OP's concern was that the light then stayed on. 

 

Now i can see what their car is and it is a 1.2 TSI DSG Estate.

 

Once the issue is sorted if it is the light staying on and not just flashing when the wheels / tyres are spinning,

then maybe better tyres getting fitted will be a good move. 

Thanks for that, I’m running on the budget tyres I bought it with and the car is quite prone to skidding under mildly heavy acceleration so a good place to start, thanks again 

@Harriesif the tyres on now are ditchfinders have you st least got them at a sensible pressure and not high as in near that for ECO, ie less grip / traction to give better mpg.

34 minutes ago, Harries said:

Thanks for that, I’m running on the budget tyres I bought it with and the car is quite prone to skidding under mildly heavy acceleration so a good place to start, thanks again 

That could explain it, but you don't need to spend out on premium tyres; medium price ones like, say, Toyos will still have way more grip than YingTong Ditchfinders.

Edited 6 September, 20214 yr by KenONeill