Traction control systemPoland
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190. Traction control system
Traction Control System (TCS) is an active safety system that helps prevent the driven wheels from spinning excessively during acceleration. When the system detects loss of traction, it can reduce engine power, apply braking to one or more wheels or use a combination of both.
Traction control is particularly useful when accelerating on wet, icy, snowy or loose surfaces. It helps the vehicle use the available tyre grip more effectively but cannot create grip where little or none is available.
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What does traction control do?
Traction control detects excessive wheel spin during acceleration and intervenes to help the driven wheels regain grip. Depending on the vehicle, it can reduce engine power or apply braking to individual wheels.
When is traction control most useful?
It is particularly useful when accelerating on surfaces with limited grip, such as wet roads, snow, ice, mud or loose gravel.
What is the difference between traction control and ESP?
Traction control primarily limits wheel spin during acceleration. ESP or ESC has a broader function and helps stabilise the vehicle when it begins to deviate from the driver's intended direction. The systems commonly share wheel-speed sensors and braking components.

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