Cars have several technologies to ensure safe driving. In fact, there are so many that people often end up confusing them. This is exactly what happens with terms like stability control and traction control. Although these two technologies have been around for some time, most people tend to be less familiar with them than with other, more well-known car safety devices, such as airbags, seat belts and anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
Do you know the difference between stability and traction control?
What is traction control?
Traction control systems are older than stability control. In fact, you can think of traction control as the big brother or predecessor of modern stability control systems. Traction control systems (TCS) work in conjunction with a car’s ABS, which measures wheel speed using sensors mounted on or near the wheel hub.
These wheel speed sensors use magnets to monitor the movement and speed of your car’s wheels. If the system detects abnormal rotation or a loss of traction – such as when driving on wet or slippery surfaces such as ice – the traction control light may appear on the instrument panel and the system will automatically apply the brakes to one or more wheels. . Some traction control systems also reduce engine power when a loss of traction is detected. In these systems, if the driver begins to lose control, the system’s control module will selectively apply brake pressure and reduce engine power to help the driver regain control of the vehicle.
Traction control systems can typically be turned on or off using a button on the instrument panel. The button may say “TCS”, “TC” or “TCL”, or have an image of a car with skid lines behind it.
What is stability control?
Stability control is a more advanced version of traction control. It uses the same equipment – including the ABS and associated wheel speed sensors – and has several additional sensors. Stability control systems – also known as electronic stability control systems (ESC), vehicle stability control (VSC) or electronic stability programs (ESP) – include a steering wheel position sensor, which helps the system to monitor steering wheel direction and intended versus actual direction of travel. The system also includes a yaw speed sensor, which measures the degree of skidding or rotation of the car. It also has a three-axis accelerometer to monitor its angle and movement in all directions.
The system’s control module interprets the combined data from these sensors and uses it to help maintain vehicle stability. If the system detects skidding or a loss of traction, it can selectively apply brake pressure. Also reduce engine power to put the vehicle back on the road. This is similar to traction control. However, stability control doesn’t just help in wet or slippery conditions like traction control, as it also maintains the car’s stability during sudden maneuvers and turns by actively manipulating the vehicle’s direction of travel.
However, as with traction control, the stability control light will appear on the instrument panel when the system is in use. However, if the light comes on and stays on, there is likely a problem with the system.