| The Electronic Stabilization Program and the Traction | | | | ways: it can either reduce engine power, or it can |
| Control System are two very important elements | | | | brake a certain wheel, or both of the actions at the |
| which car manufacturers introduced on their model to | | | | same time. The Stability Programs are commonly used |
| improve their stability, handling and safety. | | | | in combination with the traction control systems, but in |
| The ESP (Electronic Stability System) has become | | | | addition to the latter, it also monitors the lateral |
| lately very popular among car producers, but because | | | | movement of the vehicle. |
| of marketing and trademarks, it may be found under | | | | Such stability systems have been proven to greatly |
| different names (GE calls if Stabilitrak, for example, | | | | increase car safety in extreme situations. It can |
| while Nissan uses the name VDC - Vehicle Dynamic | | | | calculate and monitor the car's parameters way faster |
| Control). But the common name is ESP and it is the | | | | than any driver would do and it will take actions |
| most used one. | | | | accordingly. The phenomenon of under steer and |
| There are a series of sensors which establish many | | | | oversteer and greatly reduced if the car is equipped |
| times per second the rotational movement of the car, | | | | with a stability program. But you should not overhaul |
| its speed, the angel you rotate the steering wheel as | | | | such systems, because they have to obey the laws |
| well as other such parameters. The purpose of the | | | | of physics, and if you enter very fast into a corner, |
| monitoring is for the system's computer to determine if | | | | your car's direction will not be corrected. |
| the vehicle is being driven on the intended way. Let's | | | | The Traction Control System (or TCS) is implemented |
| take the over steer situation, which occurs when the | | | | in a car to avoid the wheels from slipping the moment |
| car is performing a cornering and the rear wheels are | | | | you accelerate. It was first introduced in 1986 and |
| sliding. If this occurs, the sensors will detect this and the | | | | nowadays most new cars have this security feature. |
| computer will reduce the engine's power and some | | | | ABS limits the wheels from slipping while braking |
| braking pressure will be applied to the front wheel on | | | | powerfully. In opposition, TCS is used to allow you to |
| the outside. This wheel is the main element which, by | | | | have more grip while accelerating. Its sensors will |
| applying some breaking to it, is used to put the car | | | | detect if a wheel is slipping and the system will either |
| back on the intended direction. The ESP works in two | | | | reduce engine power, either slightly brake that wheel. |