Traction Control

A traction control system (TCS) or anti-slip regulation (ASR) is designed to avoid losing traction control of vehicle.

One of the new standard safety features that automakers need to include in their vehicles is the traction control.

A traction control system (TCS) or anti-slip regulation (ASR) is a secondary role of the antilock braking system (ABS).

Advantages

Designed to avoid losing traction control of vehicle,  here are some of the advantages of this safety feature system:

  • Easy to install. Because it is designed in the same infrastructure as ABS, direct installation by automakers is easier to include it in the safety features of a vehicle.
  • Safe for any weather condition. The system can effectively control hydroplaning in times of snow and rainy weather.
  • Discount from insurance. Customers of auto insurance receive a discount for traction control systems because these are highly-favored safety devices to insurers.

When choosing a new car or unused car, choose those that have modern safety features which can give added value to the vehicle as well as safe and peace of mind to the drivers and passengers.

Disadvantages

But sometimes car owners are a little unsure about purchasing a car with traction control system for the following reasons:

  • Expensive. A TCS can make an automobile purchase expensive. So many would rather choose an older model which is cheaper.
  • Maintenance cost. TCS or ABS sensor can be damaged for many reasons. When this happens, the cost of repair can surprise you. Those with previous experience of paying hefty amount for anti-lock brake system repair will advise you not to get this additional safety car feature.
  • Limited use. TCS according to some experts are not not good for off-road use. Driving a four-wheel off-road can cause damage to the TCS.

Just like the antilock brake system, technology itself is useless if the driver doesn’t know how to use it.

How does the TCS work?

The system uses the same wheel-speed sensors utilized also by the antilock braking system. The sensors are responsible for measuring differences in the rotational speed registered on the dash panel. This is how the sensors can determine if one wheel spins faster than the others. Then it immediately “pumps” the wheel brake to reduce the speed and wheel slip. Some traction control systems also lessen the engine power to the slipping wheels.

People think that TCS can prevent their car to get stuck in the snow. This is partly true, traction control is not built to increase traction but what the system does is to prevent the spinning of the wheels. So for drivers who drive in snowy and icy roads, traction control, antilock brakes, and snow tires must be included in the vehicle safety features.

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