Safety features such as Electronic stability control (ESC) have become significant for every car. ESC detects and helps the driver maintain control of the car while driving on slippery roads or in a panic swerve, thereby preventing the car from skidding and colliding with other vehicles. A finding by the IIHS highlighted that ECS reduces the risk of fatal crashes in single-vehicle accidents by 56 percents and multiple-vehicle accidents by 32 percents. This led the US Government mandating all cars, starting 2012, to be equipped with ESC. So, if you are planning to purchase auction vehicles, it is advisable to look for a car that is manufactured on or after 2012. If you are not aware about ESC, here’s your chance to gain some insight.
Working Mechanism
The main purpose of ESC is to alert the driver and help maintain the control of the car on slippery surfaces. To do it effectively, ESC uses a range of sensors in the car, including steering wheel position sensors, yaw sensors, and wheel speed sensors to learn about the direction in which the driver intends to steer the car, and then compares it to the direction car is heading. If the comparison returns with the result that the car is not going in the intended direction, the system applies brakes on wheels, individually, in an attempt to control the car. This is in sharp contrast to how the brakes are applied manually, by the driver, on all four wheels at once. ESC system, thus, helps recover the car from skids.
ESC and Traction Control: Difference
Before ESC came into the picture traction control was a big car safety feature. Traction control works by sensing the wheel slip which happens when the drive wheels break loose and spin. At that instance, the system either reduces engine power or applies brakes to stop the car. Traction control, thus, helps control some types of skids, however, it doesn’t offer the same level of safety as ESC. Also, ESC programs offer traction control among loads of other benefits.
When ESC System Kicks In
ESC system works on its own and ever so slightly that you may not even notice the difference in the car’s direction. In contrast, when other systems work, the change in direction is obvious and you may even hear the sound of the brakes, as in antilock brake system. The only noticeable point that ESC system is active is the flashing warning light. It is believed that ESC activates only on slippery roads, while driving on curvy and hilly roads may also activate ESC.
Performance Stability in Cars
While ESC systems generally kick in the moment it detects the car is about to skid, automobile manufacturers have programmed the system to be more liberal in their range of high-performance cars. These cars are allowed to exceed their limits of traction and skid a bit before the system kicks in to recover it from skidding. Cadillac ATS-V, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette are a few high-performance cars that feature multi-mode stability control systems with authority to the driver to control the intervention and protection by the system.
Different Names of ESC
Although every automobile company has adopted ESC systems, for some strange reasons, they use a different name to denote the safety feature in their fleet of cars. Some of the different names of the ESC systems you may come across are:
- AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- StabiliTrak
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Last Few Words
ESC is quite an effective system but it is not foolproof. That means the driver can lose control of the car even when ESC is active, but the probability of that happening is significantly less. Factors such as excessively worn or improperly inflated tires, slick roads, and excessive speed can reduce ESC’s effectiveness. That said, the benefits of the ESC outweighs the condition, which is why when you are considering buying a pre-owned car make sure it is a 2012 or later model. AutoBidMaster is a salvage auto auction where you can easily find ESC system featured cars. We offer used, salvage, and wrecked auction cars for sale to help you get your dream car without breaking the bank. To purchase auction vehicles, register with us, explore our inventory, and place the bid for the cars. For you wish to learn more about us, fill out the contact form or call +1 (503) 298-4300
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