
So, if traction control is such a neat tool, what’s the issue? Problem With the Traction Control Systems It lowers the engine power to decrease the speed slightly, moving forward the car out of dangerous situations. The computer reduces power to optimize the car moving in good weather situations in winter or on wet roads. In other words, when it detects the slipping and spinning wheels, it will cut power to control the vehicle’s speed – bringing it to safer and more controllable performance. This control module manages to calculate what is happening on the outside and reacts in the manner it was programmed. It reduces engine power to optimize the wheel spin when performing, which allows the winter tires to regain traction.īut how is this achieved? A person driving a car at high speed.Ĭars with traction control feature an engine control module, which is basically a computer. It goes without saying, traction control saves lives in slippery conditions. When this happens they reduce the power to the drive wheels, but they do nothing else. The stability control systems work with anti-lock brakes when their sensors detect wheel slip. The difference between the stability control and the slip differential is that the first one prevents wheel slip even in turns, and not just from a stop. However, the requirement to have them in modern vehicles has caused them to be merged with the stability control system. The first electronic versions used to be stand-alone. Therefore, the traction control does not perform in the same manner. This mimics the phenomenon of the tires being stuck in the snow.

This feature was popular on high performance cars, as they offer better and more energetic takeoffs by keeping the tires planted in place. The limited-slip differential mechanically limits the wheel spin when weather conditions cause the tire to lose traction. It is not the same as a limited-slip differential. Now, let’s discuss what traction control is not. This increases the contact between the tire and the road, allowing it to regain traction in ice- and snow-covered roads. This feature limits wheel spin while the tires are in motion. They work to maintain the traction between the snow tires and the road surface in inclement weather situations. The traction control prevents the winter tires from losing traction when performing in slippery conditions. In other words, unless you own an older model, your car will most likely have this feature. Traction control systems are standard safety features which are a requirement on vehicles sold in the US since 2012.
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In some winter conditions, when the traction control kicks in, it will just create issues instead of helping you.įor this reason, it is of the utmost importance that you know how to control and when to turn off this standard safety feature. When it comes to modern vehicles, traction control is a gift from the heavens, but sadly it can cause more harm in winter situations.

More precisely, when you need to turn the traction control OFF in winter weather conditions. Yet, this process includes something that may seem to be controversial – the traction control system. For that reason, knowing how your car will behave and what you can do to ensure better traction is important. Problems can easily arise in a split second on slippery surfaces.
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You need to be prepared for various snowy conditions, and you have to study your vehicle’s owner’s manual as well. Conquering winter with modern cars can be tricky, especially if they are equipped with traction control.
