Safety Technology of Today

Traction Control is an up and coming safety development that is rapidly become standard features in many vehicles. It offers drivers the benefit of space-age electronics that improve a car's contact with the road. Traction control works at the opposite end of ABS — dealing directly with acceleration.  Besides this, ABS and traction control operate similarly.  ABS control unit is actually considered the basic "building block" for traction control and stability control. By adding modules and sensors, the system can be expanded to include these newer technologies.  But to add traction control it does take some modifications to the vehicle.  An old-style accelerator cable is typically replaced by an electronic drive-by-wire connection. The standard ABS hydraulic modulator is also expanded to include a traction control component.   All these parts work together to activate the traction control system.

How does this new technology work?   If you press too firmly on the accelerator pedal, the traction control system instantaneously kicks in, sensing that the wheels have begun to slip. Within a fraction of a second, this data is fed back to the control unit, which adjusts throttle input and applies braking force to slow the wheels. The wheels are thus prevented from spinning and the car maintains maximum traction.

The word traction refers to your car's ability to maintain adhesive friction between the vehicle (your tires) and the pavement. Traction control deals specifically with lateral (front-to-back) loss of friction during acceleration.  It works to ensure maximum contact between the road surface and your tires, even under less-than-ideal road conditions. For example, a wet or icy road surface will significantly reduce the friction (traction) between your tires and the pavement.

It really is amazing how state-of-the-art technologies within the operating system of a vehicle have made driving safer for consumers.  Telematics-based services like OnStar, digital satellite radio, in-car e-mail, and recent advances in braking technology have all led to shorter stopping distances and increased control while driving in inclement conditions.  Traction control is only the latest in keeping us safer, as it joins this age of technological advances.