Many people mistakenly believe that traction control will prevent their vehicle from getting stuck in the snow. This couldn't be further from the truth. Traction control does not have the ability to increase traction; it just attempts to prevent a vehicle's wheels from spinning. For drivers who routinely drive in snowy and icy conditions, traction control, antilock brakes, and snow tires are must-have safety features. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close.
Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Under the Hood. Traction Control Explained. Image Gallery: Trucks Traction control systems limit power to the drive wheels to prevent wheel spin under acceleration. See pictures of trucks. Traction control should be turned on while driving. You will need a stronger grip on the surface when the road is snowy, wet, muddy, or unpaved.
This means that the feature has no function unless you drive the car in these conditions. You will also notice a slight slowdown in tire wear. If you are a thrill-seeker, turning off traction control will let you experience the complete excitement of some stunts like drifting. Remember that not having traction control does not affect the safety standard of a vehicle unless you are driving on slippery roads or turning corners at high speeds.
The truth is no person in their right mind would try to drive that fast around corners. Another thing every driver should keep in mind that safe driving practices are the best way to reap the benefits of traction control. Avoid aggressive driving, including unnecessary speeding, acceleration around highway curves, and tailgating. Driving Tips. Maintenance Tips.
Car Review. Car Comparison. Industry knowledge. Let's explore a few of the common tractions control systems and how they work to keep your vehicle stable. Traction control has been around for many years and is seen in most vehicles on the road today. An early version of the system found on rear-wheel drive vehicles is called a limited-slip rear differential.
This mechanical device works to allocate power to whichever rear wheel has more traction in a given situation, reducing wheelspin. Limited-slip differentials are still used in performance-oriented cars today. Modern vehicles feature electronic traction control, which relied on the use of sensors embedded into the ABS system. These wheel speed sensors monitor the speed of the wheels and determine if one or more have lost traction. If the sensors recognize that one wheel is turning faster than any of the others, it momentarily reduces power to that wheel.
Some systems use the brake connected to the slipping wheel to slow it down. This is generally enough to slow the vehicle down and allow the driver to regain control. Other systems take the process one step further by reducing the engine power sent to the slipping wheel. This is typically controlled by a combination of sensors, including wheel sensors, transmission speed sensors , and even differential and gear sensors for rear wheel vehicles.
You often feel the gas pedal pulsating or hear unusual engine sounds when traction control engages. Traction control works with the ABS system, but serves a different purpose. Traction control begins working to slow down the speed of the tires so they get enough grip on the pavement to propel you forward. Your wheels stop spinning and your car begins to move forward. This is traction control in action. What type of vehicle you own will determine the specific set-up for your traction control system.
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