What is service traction control? How does traction control perform its work? Can I ever switch off the traction control? How can I know about its working? is it working or not What does Service Traction Control Light mean? Is it possible to drive with the Service Traction Control Light On?
Traction control
This is a feature of safety and it is present in different forms for many decades. But now at present, it is a very important and compulsory requirement for new upcoming cars from 2011 onwards. There are many safety features in cars and it runs in the background and it can be possible even if you can never observe this. But the cars that are fitted with traction control are much better and safer as compared to those who do not have such features of traction control.
In simple words, we can say that traction control (TC) is a system of electronics that utilizes the same sensors just like the anti-lock braking system to reduce or prevent wheelspin. The spinning of the wheel means that the tire has not effectively gripping the road surface, this can cause oversteer, which means where the back of the car steps out of line or understeer in such case the car does not respond to your steering inputs, both these cause very serious and dangerous prove on the road.
What is service traction control?
Introduction of traction control
Traction control systems were used in passenger cars in about the 1970s but had some technical limitations because earlier systems were not reliable and widespread. In the late 1980s and early 1990s traction control was not more commonplace and sophisticated. We are accustomed to most of the standard equipment in cars these days. The standardization of traction control is the outcome of enhancing more complex electronic systems in our cars.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW are big companies and made traction control on their high-end S-Class and 7 Series models. Now, these have filtered down to low-price models and many other manufacturers.
How does traction control perform its work?
The main function of traction control is to detect when the tire loses its grip, due to which the wheel spins, and it works to stop or slow down the rate of spin. When the ABS determines the wheel is spinning, then the vehicle’s onboard computer will cut the output of the engine so that it permits the wheel to slow, and again get traction.
In an all-wheel drive vehicle and rear, the traction control can be fitted to the front because the role is the same for all no matter which wheels are driven. In an all-wheel drive vehicle and rear, the traction control can be fitted to the front because the basic principle is the same for all no matter which wheels are driven. Sometimes in some cars, we feel that there is a slight hesitation in the delivery of power, even if we feel the engine becomes a misfire and has developed fire. But, modern traction control systems are sophisticated, and even their intervention is mostly not detected from behind the wheel.
In most cars, there is also an Electronic Stability Control system present in addition to traction control, that takes traction control from one stage by applying the brake momentarily to the wheel which has the capability to rotate faster as compared to others, some systems have potential that can shuffle power of an engine to the wheels, which has more traction.
How can I know about its working? is it working or not
Like several safety systems, the traction control has a system of dashboard warning lights that will illuminate for a short period of time and then indicate that it is operational. If the light is still on even if the engine is started, then this is a symptom of a fault in the system. So there is a need to check professionals. The traction control of the warning light will be an MoT failure if it is permanently illuminated.
During driving, if the warning light illuminates for a short period of time, then it means that the system is in operation and is working to prevent wheelspin. Driving during bad conditions, there is more probability of activation of traction control, like heavy rain, and snow. It can show a diesel spill, or it may indicate a loose road surface under the tires. If more frequently, the system starts to kick in, then this can be a symptom of excessively worn tires.
Can I ever switch off the traction control?
No. we can never recommend switching off the traction control during normal road driving. It’s not matter if you are a good driver. The system of traction control acts to prevent a loss of control and is better and far faster than you are able to react behind the wheel.
Although, there are some conditions where it advises disabling the system. If you are driving in the conditions of snow or ice or in muddy, then there will be an amount of grip available to the tires restricted, so this is better under such conditions to try to keep some wheelspin and gain some traction. If the system of traction keeps detecting a spinning wheel under such conditions, then it will reduce the power and it will not help the car to give any momentum.
You have to switch off the system if you find yourself driving in mud, like snow or ice, or if your car is getting stuck. It is a type of switch that will be marked as ASR, TSC, ESC, or ESP, it depends on the manufacturer of the car. In some vehicles, it is on the car’s on-board infotainment system.
What does Service Traction Control Light mean?
Service Traction is responsible for gripping the vehicle on the road and pulling across it. It also detects and corrects potential errors. This is a very important part of vehicle safety because it maintains control during driving. This system was designed for the purpose of safety for the driver during bad conditions like heavy rain, snow, ice, and poorly paved roads. Because all components of vehicles are linked, the problem with the traction control light normally shows the problem in the computing system itself or elsewhere.
Wheel speed sensors make the solenoids, an electric pump, and a high-pressure accumulator make the traction control system. The wheel speed sensors look at each rotation of the wheel speed. Some of the brake circuits are isolated by using solenoids.
The wheels which are losing traction, the high-pressure accumulator, and the electric pump apply brake pressure on that wheel. The traction control system is interconnected to the anti-lock brake system. Both of these two systems are monitored and controlled through the same control module.
By using wheel speed sensors one driven wheel spins faster as compared to another, traction control detects this. The ABS present in the sliding wheel under this condition activates to slow its speed. The rolling tire has a better grip as compared to the sliding tire. You will be hampered if the front tires are slipping. Under such a situation, you can not go forward. Then your car will move in the same direction as it was before it began to slide.
If one, or more tires lose their grip and begin to spin, then traction control identifies the problem and takes action against it, and corrects it. The system kicks in to solve the problem if a wheel slip is detected, Often the traction control light flashes. The light of service traction control will remain illuminated for an indefinite time. if the problem is in the traction control system and that prevents it from properly working.
Is it possible to drive with the Service Traction Control Light On?
If this is only the traction control light on in the dash, then probably the vehicle is safe to drive. If you are driving in conditions of rain or slippery outside, then you will need to be extra cautious in accelerating or turning. In such situations vehicles may behave in an unpredictable manner. This can be the most dangerous experience if you are not used to how a sliding car feels.
One thing is very important, you must remember that a rolling tire has more traction as compared to a sliding tire. So to accelerate smoothly, steer to avoid disturbing the vehicle’s balance through the brake. In the direction where you want to go, you can look down the road. So must always keep in mind proper distancing at all times in order to be safe.
How can we check traction control sensors?
During driving, if the traction control warning light comes on. First of all, you should find a safe place to pull over. First, turn it off and then turn the engine on. If the warning light of the traction control remains off. There was a temporary glitch in the system then you should need to be fine to proceed.
