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Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control

What is electronic stability control?

Electronic stability control (ESC) can help you retain control of your vehicle during high-speed turns or on slippery roads. Expanding on existing anti-lock braking systems, ESC compares a driver's intended direction in steering and braking inputs, to the vehicle's response, via lateral acceleration, rotation and individual wheel speeds.

ESC is particularly effective at reducing the risk of rollover. Due to their large size, high centre of gravity and often narrow track width, many sport utility vehicles (SUVs) as well as some vans and pickup trucks, may roll over or go out of control during sharp turns or abrupt manoeuvres, such as when avoiding a crash. Electronic stability control (ESC) is now a standard safety feature on most SUVs and other vehicles with a high risk of roll over, and optional on many other makes of vehicles.

How does it work?

ESC works by applying the brakes to individual front or rear wheels and/or reducing excess engine power as needed to help correct understeer or oversteer. ESC also integrates all-speed traction control, which senses drive-wheel slip under acceleration and individually brakes the slipping wheel or wheels, and/or reduces excess engine power, until control is regained.

Electronic stabilizers help save lives

Studies have confirmed ESC’s effectiveness in helping the driver maintain control of the vehicle, help save lives, and reduce the severity of crashes. Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that ESC reduces the risk of single- and multiple-vehicle crashes. View results.

It is important to remember that ESC cannot override a vehicle's physical limits. If a driver pushes the possibilities of the vehicle’s handling too far, ESC cannot prevent a crash. Like anti-lock brakes, it is a tool to help you maintain control.