WOW 26

WOW 26 - ESP/ ESC and Traction

Good Afternoon Friends,
Yesterday, we talked about ABS (Antilock Braking System). Today we shall discuss on ESP (Electonic Stability Program) AKA ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and Traction.

Electronic Stability Program/ Control:
Like ABS, ESP is also designed to improve vehicle's handling, particularly at the limits where the driver might lose control of the vehicle. Say, you are using only ABS and have avoided collision with a vehicle. ESP determines how stable your vehicle is after your steer away. At times, when we steer a lot towards a side, the vehicle tends to capsize. ESP prevents this.

ESP enhances Driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions.

ESP compares the driver's intended direction in steering and braking inputs, to the vehicle's response, via lateral acceleration, rotation (yaw) and individual wheel speeds. ESC then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces excess engine power as needed to help correct understeer (plowing) or oversteer (fishtailing).
Traction Control:
* In road cars, Traction Control is used mainly as a safety feature in high-performance cars, which would otherwise need very sensitive throttle input to keep them from spinning when accelerating, especially in wet or snowy conditions. It is also used in off-road vehicles to enhance traction on loose surfaces.
* In race cars, Traction Control is used as a performance enhancement, allowing maximum traction under acceleration without wheel spin. When accelerating out of turn, it keeps the tyres at the optimum slip angle.
On road, Traction is generally combined with ABS. This gives the vehicle a better grip of the road. Very useful for slippery roads.

ABS, Traction Control and ESP when combined together in a single package gives the driver safety, stability and control over the vehicle. Bikers, listen up; ABS and Traction control are available for Bikes too. Not sure about ESP though.

Check these videos from YouTube to understand more about ABS, Traction Control and ESP.
Link 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3m24bjkfg0 (5 mins 33 secs)
Link 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR1SSxpKitE (9 mins 37 secs)


Danish :)