How Your Car's Traction Control System Prevents Tire Slip
Long ago, when drivers felt their tires slipping on the road's surface
, they were forced to manually compensate for the slippage. That usually meant lightly pumping the brake pedal to allow the slipping tire to regain traction. Though it was effective, it was a high-maintenance way to retain control of the vehicle, especially on wet surfaces.
In the 1960s, this changed. Many rear-wheel drive vehicles at the time were equipped with a limited slip rear differential. This could be used to slow the slipping rear wheel, and redirect power to the one with more traction. This helped, but did not completely resolve the issue. Tire slip continued to occur.
In 1985, automakers introduced traction control (TC). The feature was based on existing technology already in use in a vehicle's anti-lock brake system (ABS). Traction control was only made available in a few models, but because it eliminated slip, was bound to spread to other cars, trucks, and SUVs. Today, the feature is installed in a wide range of makes and models.
Turning The ABS System On Its Head
A large portion of today's vehicles are equipped with anti-lock brakes. These brakes are designed according to technology that was used in airplanes built during the 1950s. At the time, sensors were developed to monitor the rate at which an aircraft's wheels turned. If the wheels locked up, and the aircraft began to skid, the ABS system would apply braking power. This technology helped guarantee a plane would not skid, regardless of how fast it was traveling, or how aggressively the pilot applied the brakes.
Auto engineers eventually discovered the same design could be used in vehicles to prevent wheel slip. The problem was that it needed to work "backwards." Rather than the ABS system applying the brakes to help the driver slow down (while preventing skidding), it needed to apply them to help the driver accelerate. This was the beginning of traction control.
How Traction Control Works
Similar to an anti-lock brake system, traction control monitors the rate at which your wheels spin. It does so for each wheel individually. Unless you are turning your vehicle, all four should be spinning at approximately the same rate.
When one of your tires begins to spin more quickly than the others, the sensors of your TC system will assume that tire has lost traction with the road. It will engage your brakes while pulling back the throttle. Both actions will cause the tire to spin more slowly, and eventually regain adhesive friction with the road. This provides more traction, and thus give you more control of your vehicle.
Is The Feature Necessary?
The answer depends on your normal driving circumstances. For example, if you live in an area that receives a high level of moisture throughout the year, traction control will prove valuable. By slowing the slipping wheel and giving you more control, the system will help prevent accidents.
Even if you live in an area that receives very little rainfall, this feature can still be handy in certain circumstances. Suppose one of your tires slips on gravel or mud. Traction control will engage your brakes and reduce your throttle to minimize the slippage. Also, bear in mind that even areas with characteristically dry climates can experience sporadic showers. This, combined with another motorist who unexpectedly pulls their vehicle in front of your own, may lead to an accident. Traction control will help you maneuver your vehicle away from danger.
This option is only one of many safety features that are available in today's cars. As automotive design continues to evolve, additional options will be developed. Traction control cannot take the place of safe driving, but it will help protect you and your passengers on the road.
by: Eric Driver
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