Traction Control: Keeping You Safe on the Road
Traction control, also known as a traction control system (TCS), is a vital piece of technology that has undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. It is a feature that many drivers have seen in action, with the TCS symbol lighting up on the dashboard when driving on icy roads or during sharp accelerations or braking in heavy rain. But what exactly is traction control, and how does it work?
Understanding Traction Control
Traction control is an electronic system that detects if any wheels are losing grip and applies the appropriate remedies. It is active in moments of low traction, such as during harsh acceleration, harsh braking, or driving on a slippery surface. TCS helps keep tire grip by automatically applying the brakes or cutting engine power to individual wheels to ensure they still work in tandem. Before the advent of traction control, drivers had to carefully manage acceleration without wheelspin. Today, TCS helps manage power delivery more effectively, reducing the risk of wheelspin.
A Brief History of Traction Control
The concept of traction control can be traced back to the 1982 Geneva Motor Show when Volvo showcased an unpatented electronic traction control system. This system detected wheel spin rates and applied the brakes to any wheels that were out of sync with the others. The aim was to prevent the car from spinning out of control in slippery conditions. Since then, various manufacturers have developed their versions of traction control systems. BMW introduced a torque control system in the late 1980s, followed by Mercedes-Benz, which launched its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 1995.
EU Law and Traction Control
Since 2011, EU law has mandated that all new cars be fitted with a traction control system. This requirement underscores the importance of TCS in ensuring driver safety and preventing accidents caused by loss of traction.
Roles of the Traction Control System
The primary role of traction control is to keep drivers on the road, in their lanes, and in control of their vehicles. It also ensures that when the car turns, it does so in a way that the driver expects and without oversteer. This is why some drivers may choose to turn off traction control to drift in performance cars. It provides stability and support, making driving safer and more predictable.
How to Know if Traction Control is Working
When traction control kicks in, you will see a light on the dashboard. You may also feel a jerk in the car as torque is regulated, and the car may suddenly slow down as the brakes are applied. If you never see the dashboard warning light, experience wheelspin during acceleration, or lack noticeable support from the car when driving over an icy patch, it may indicate that your TCS is not working as intended. In such cases, it is advisable to get your car booked in for a service.
Adjusting or Turning Off Traction Control
While it is recommended to keep traction control turned on at all times when driving on public roads, there are circumstances where adjusting or turning off TCS settings can be justified. Many performance cars come with different driving modes that offer varying strengths of traction control. For example, Ferrari’s manettino dial allows drivers to change between modes that offer different levels of traction control. Sport modes typically allow a little bit of slip, while race modes usually disable all systems. Turning traction control off fully may simply be done in the name of fun, allowing drivers to have complete control without any electronic aids interfering. It is worth noting that many racing series ban the use of aids like traction control, so disabling it may be necessary for participating in race weekends.
In conclusion, traction control is a crucial safety feature that helps keep drivers safe on the road. It detects and corrects loss of traction, ensuring that wheels maintain grip and preventing accidents caused by skidding or spinning out of control. By automatically applying the brakes or cutting engine power to individual wheels, traction control helps drivers maintain control in challenging driving conditions. While it is important to keep traction control turned on during regular driving, there are circumstances where adjusting or turning off TCS settings can be justified. Overall, traction control remains an essential tool in promoting road safety and preventing accidents.
