4 Functions of Electronic Stability Control Technology
Electronic stability control utilizes computerized technology to detect and correct traction loss before skidding occurs. Sensors identify when the vehicle diverges from the steered path, automatically braking individual wheels to counter understeer or oversteer.
We’ll examine the four core functions of this vital driving aid that can save lives in critical situations where traction vanishes.
See Also: How to Reset “Service AdvanceTrac”
Main Functions of Electronic Stability Control
Below are the 4 main sensors of electronic stability control technology which perform its essential functions.
Related: Why is My Electronic Stability Control Light On?
#1 – Lateral Acceleration
The sensor for lateral acceleration is what detects the force and speed of your turns. This may be combined with other sensors as well but the lateral acceleration sensor is what detects whether you’re oversteering or understeering your turns.
#2 – Fishtail Prevention
There is something called fishtailing which describes when your car’s rear wheels start to have reduced traction. This is how oversteering usually occurs. This might happen if you’re driving on rough surfaces like roads covered with ice, snow, rain, gravel, or sand.
Fortunately, the yaw rate sensor detects the direction of your vehicle and when fishtailing is about to happen.
Related: Service StabiliTrak Light On? (What It Means)
#3 – Steering Wheel Positioning
The steering angle position sensor is how the vehicle knows which direction you are trying to drive. It compares your steering to the actual direction in which the vehicle is going.
If the sensor finds the direction to be off course, it tells this to the control module and then braking is automatically applied to get the steering wheel back into position.
See Also: 4 Reasons the ESP BAS Light Is On
#4 – Wheel Speed Sensors
Wheel speed sensors are very important sensors that other sensors really depend on. As this sensor detects the speed of each of your wheels, it will know how much brake power is needed under the given circumstance where you’re losing stability of your vehicle.
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It used to be that luxury cars only had electronic stability control technology in them, but not anymore. Most newer cars these days have it in them as well and you don’t have to spend $50k to get it.
Once you have experienced the benefits of this technology and how it stabilizes your driving experience, you will never want to go without it again.
He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.
When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.
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