Traction Control
This website is soon to be launched containing information about traction control, ABS braking systems, stability control and much more about how technology is being used to improve car safety....
What is traction control / why is it a good safety feature for cars?
The grip that your tyres have on the road is called traction. Traction is needed in order to be able to accelerate, brake and steer. Driving a car with insufficient grip (or traction) will impede its ability to accelerate, brake and steer. TCS (Traction Control Systems) fitted to your car will monitor traction in realtime and prevent any loss of grip ensuring that your car will always be able to accelerate, brake and steer.
Have I got Traction Control on my vehicle?
ABS (anti lock brake system) is the most common form of traction control. During a panic or hard breaking the ABS system prevents your wheels from locking. The problem with your wheels locking is that it impedes steering ability thus losing control of the car.
Does Traction Control improve car performance?
Usually car makers market traction control as specifically a technology that will prevent the drive tyres (whether front or rear wheel drive) from slipping when accelerating sharply. Whilst spinning squealing tyres may appear cool, this is in fact the slowest way of getting your vehicle to accelerate thus reducing perfomance - expecially in a racing situation!
What technology follows?
The most recent revision of traction control being introduce is stability control. This technology uses sensors that constantly monitor the wheels and in effect results in sideways slippage of the vehicle.