What Is a Traction Control System?

Traction control is found on many newer vehicles and is part of the anti-lock brake system. The two systems work together to help the vehicle regain control if it starts to traction with the road surface.

Traction Control & ABS

The traction control system and anti-lock brake system (ABS) work closely together and use many of the same components in a vehicle. They both help prevent slipping and skidding in a vehicle. Traction control assists a slipping vehicle that is gaining speed while ABS assists a slipping vehicle that is braking or slowing down.

Function

The traction control system works when it senses that a vehicle is starting to slip and lose traction while it is still gaining speed. By monitoring the speed of each individual wheel, the traction control system can identify when a tire is spinning or losing traction. It will automatically slow the tire down, allowing it to regain its grip.

Components

A vehicle's traction control system is comprised of sensors that are located on each wheel. The sensors monitor each tire's speed, comparing it with the speed of the other tires. When a tire is speeding too fast in relation to the other tires, indicating slipping or sliding, the sensor will trigger the brake to slow the slipping tire, allowing it to regain traction. The sensors will also trigger other tires that still have traction to keep moving, pulling the vehicle out of the skid.

References

• AA1 Car: Traction Control