Traction control has been a required feature on all modern cars sold in the U.S. since 2012, along with ABS and stability control, although the feature predated government requirements by decades. Still, many car buyers may be unsure of what exactly traction control does and how it works. In miniature, traction control is an electronic monitoring system that detects whether a wheel (or wheels) are turning faster than it should and reduces power to regain traction.
Traction control systems can come under many different brands – car manufacturers have their own distinctive names for them. But whatever you call it, it works in a similar way. Each wheel has a speed sensor that transmits this information to the main computer. Under normal conditions, all wheels rotate at the same speed. In low-traction situations such as rain, snow and gravel, one or more wheels often lose traction and spin faster. In the blink of an eye, the computer identifies which wheel needs to be released and either cuts power or applies the brakes.
In the early days of traction control systems, power from the engine was cut off or reduced to all wheels, resulting in rather inelegant jerks. As technology improved, power outages became less disruptive and control over individual wheels became more common. Nowadays, most drivers won’t even notice when the traction control kicks in.
What is the traction control system used for?
There are several adaptations of the traction control system. In off-road applications, it provides maximum traction and power when conquering steep climbs. Hill descent control is somewhat interconnected and in most cases applies the brakes on a specific wheel to regain control. Some vehicles also offer special traction control system settings for different road conditions, in the form of driving modes.
In performance cars, traction control systems can assist drivers reduce lap times by being able to apply power earlier on corner exit. In drag racing, this system is often called launch control and distributes the optimal amount of power depending on conditions. Traction control is banned in most professional motorsports because it gives an unfair advantage to the driver’s skill.
Should you ever turn off traction control?
Traction control is usually always lively, but in some circumstances you may need to turn it off. In low-traction situations, it may be beneficial to rotate the wheels to get onto firmer surfaces or simply to break free from where you are stuck. In most vehicles, this can be done by pressing the traction control button, which is often presented as a pictogram of a car viewed from the rear, with wavy lines running along the tires. Sometimes one press is enough, but some vehicles require a long press for several seconds, so be sure to check your owner’s manual.
What is stability control?
Traction control is related to stability control, but not as sophisticated. Stability control takes traction control data and supplements it with speed, steering angle and other systems to ensure the vehicle remains on its intended path. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 7,000 lives were saved in the first five years after requiring traction and stability control.
This leaves no doubt about the effectiveness of traction control and its contribution to road safety. Even more proof is the countless fail videos of drivers abandoning their cars and coffee parties with the feature disabled, resulting in embarrassing kerb-slips. Traction control isn’t perfect, of course, and doesn’t ensure safety in all situations, but the added reassurance is certainly a benefit.
