Blog

What is Traction Control in Cars and How Does it Work?

  • Post category:News
You are currently viewing What is Traction Control in Cars and How Does it Work?

The Essence of Tracting Control

The evolution of motor vehicles over time has amazed everyone in the world. However, the rapid progress in the 21st century has left the remaining critics pleasantly surprised. Today, an automobile possesses numerous features. Each of them aimed towards providing the best conveyance services to its occupants. One of the main aspects of a quality vehicle is better control on the road using traction. Hence, begging the question, ‘What is traction control in cars?’

Advanced safety features in automobiles almost all include a traction control system. However, it still puzzles many people today. Often questions like, ‘What is a traction control system and how does it work​?’ Though many never bother to find out, newer drivers are more keen to learn about all aspects of private vehicle ownership. Moreover, it is recommended to educate oneself of the dynamics of each system. Not only for improved driving safety, but also to prepare oneself when a traction control light appears on the dashboard.

What Is Traction Control in Cars?

Although there are many detailed answers to ‘What Is Traction Control in Cars?’ Here’s a simple one to remember. It is a safety feature built into modern cars to prevent the wheels from spinning excessively. Especially on road surfaces that are either slippery or unstable. It keeps a proper grip, in other words – traction, on the road whilst the vehicle accelerates.

A traction control’s main purpose is to detect whenever a wheel loses its grip. Then, it reduces the engine power to regain control of the automobile. Alternatively it can apply a braking force for the same end as well. Although it is a useful feature in every condition, there are some situations where it is absolutely necessary. These include the following:

  • Wet or rainy roads
  • Snow and ice
  • Gravel or sand
  • Slippery oil patches
  • Rapid acceleration from a stop

Now, whenever the question ‘What is traction control in cars?’ arises, a detailed explanation is at hand. More accurately, whenever ‘What is traction control in cars?’ is discussed, it refers to a computer-controlled system. One that assists in keeping the vehicles stable on every road. Hence, preventing it from spinning out of control and causing a major accident.

How It Works

In order to understand what is traction control in cars and how it works, we need to learn about its components. Almost every system uses the same hardware. In other words, they all use the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Its components include:

Now that we have an understanding of what the components are, we can move forward towards explaining how it works.

  • Wheel Speed Monitoring: To continuously monitor rotation speed, each wheel is equipped with sensors. The system watches for differences. It indicates loss of traction if one wheel begins to spin faster than others.
  • Detection of Loss of Grip: The main function of the ECU is to identify when the wheel slips on the road surface. This alert becomes visible when the wheel is spinning faster than it should which would likely lead to a loss of control.
  • Engine Power Reduction or Brake Adjustment: The system automatically performs one or both of the following points to correct the wheel slip before any accidents:
    • Limit he fuel injection or adjusting the throttle to reduce engine power.
    • Apply brake pressure to the slipping wheel to slow it down.
  • Regaining Traction and Control: Once the slipping wheel slows and traction is restored, the system stops intervening and normal power delivery resumes.

This process happens in milliseconds, much faster than any human could react, keeping the car stable without requiring driver input.

The Traction Control Symbol

Now that we know what traction control is in cars, let’s look at how the vehicle alerts its driver regarding it. Upon viewing the dashboard, the traction control symbol normally appears as a car with skid marks. Alternatively, it might sometimes appear as just ‘TCS’. It can be briefly observed upon starting the car. This is because the system runs a quick self check before getting on the road.

Having said that, there are 2 different ways for the light to appear. These are:

  1. Flashing Light: This indicates that the system is actively working to deal with one or more wheels losing traction. This does not require any manual input from the driver as the system is dealing with it on its own.
  2. Steady Light: This points towards a fault in the system or that it has been manually turned off. Nevertheless, it requires immediate attention. Preferably, from a professional technician.

Moreover, it is important to mention what it means if the light flashes while driving. It is an indicator that the surface is slippery or the tyres are losing grip. In driving terms, it means to slow down and drive smoothly.

Additionally, the light staying on means the traction control system might need inspection.

Benefits of Traction Control

The traction control system in cars offers numerous advantages that are particularly useful for new drivers. These include:

  • Increases Road Safety: It helps maintain stability during difficult driving conditions.
  • Improves Steering Control: Prevents the wheels from spinning out of control. Also, it keeps the vehicle’s direction reliable.
  • Reduces Risk of Skidding or Sliding: Especially useful on wet, snowy, or slippery roads. It is a particularly useful tool in damp or rainy areas.
  • Protects Tyres: It minimizes unnecessary wear and tear due to wheel spin.
  • Enhances Vehicle Stability During Acceleration: It allows smoother and controlled vehicle movement. This is true even when it accelerates quickly.

Reasons For Traction Control Light Staying On

These are the often cited reasons for it to stay on. It is highly recommended to go to a workshop to get your vehicle scanned as soon as possible.

Conclusion

All in all, questions like what traction control is in cars are necessary to ask for every new driver. However, we believe that everyone should not be embarrassed to ask questions related to the ever changing automobile industry landscape. At Haval, we pride ourselves on keeping up with the latest development in technology and incorporating it into our cars. Thus, providing our customers with the best motor vehicle there are to offer in the world.