The auto industry is highly focused on enhancing the safety systems in cars with advanced technology. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is one such safety feature associated with the suspension of the vehicle. BMW invented this safety system in 1997.
DSC prevents skidding using different modern car safety features alongside. Moreover, many modern vehicles such as the latest models of BMW come with the DSC III technology to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Here’s a complete guide on how does dynamic stability control work:
WHAT IS A DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM?
Dynamic stability control is a useful active safety system that controls and stabilises suspension with traction control, anti-lock braking system and cornering brake control. It is an enhanced electronic stability control that comes in handy for sports-style driving and controlled drifting. The control system detects skidding of the wheels and sends the information to the car computer, also known as Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Here’s how the different safety systems operate alongside DSC.
TRACTION CONTROL
When you drive aggressively, the tyre grip may loosen up on the roads with less friction. This is when the automatic stability control (ASC) and traction control become active to prevent any accident. Moreover, the traction control system helps in understeer and oversteer conditions through a timely response.
This system cuts off engine power and gives signals to the ECU to apply brakes. This helps in controlling the slippage of wheels on the roads.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
When there was no ABS installed in the cars, the wheels slipped when the drivers applied brakes. When the car is cornering, the dynamic stability control sensors send signals to the ECU. Afterwards, the ABS system prevents slippage and ensures grip when you understeer or oversteer.
CORNERING BRAKE CONTROL
When you corner a car and it starts skidding, the cornering brake control distributes braking force just like Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) to the tyres to ensure safety. As the driver understeers the car, CBC helps restrict the car within the lane. Cornering brake control detects the curve paths and provides the driver with complete stability and grip while manoeuvring the turn.
SENSORS USED IN WORKING OF DSC
Several sensors in the ECU of the car detect different driving aspects and send signals to actuate the braking system.
Some auto brands have Electronic stability control (ESC) incorporating DSC, TCS and ABS to provide more stability to the vehicle and turn it safely to the direction of the steering wheel. Following are the sensors to make the dynamic stability control operate properly.
YAW RATE SENSOR
The yaw rate sensor detects the movement or tilt in the vehicle’s body as the driver takes a turn. It sends a signal to the ECU if the slip angle is more than the usual. The ECU actuates the dynamic stability control and applies the brakes automatically.
This is a complete system to monitor the understeer and oversteer condition. Moreover, the yaw rate sensor sends signals according to the measured conditions. The corrective actions include engine power reduction or brakes applied on one wheel or all wheels to bring the vehicle back in position.
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR
ABS, traction control, and stability control systems use speed sensor detection and inputs to actuate automatic braking. The wheel or vehicle speed sensor measures the spin and velocity of the wheels. It sends signals to the ECU if the wheel loses grip or traction on the road.
TRANSVERSE ACCELERATION SENSOR
This sensor is an integral part of the dynamic stability control system. It measures the rotation and lateral acceleration of a car. Transverse acceleration sensors detect g-force angles acting on the vehicle body. The sensor sends signals to the ECU that provides stability.
STEERING WHEEL SENSOR
The main function of DSC is to maintain the stability of the car. Steering wheel sensor detects the angle and speed of turning of the steering wheel. If the rotations are more than standard, the sensor sends signals to the ECU. The dynamic stability system provides control and stability to the vehicle after it receives signals from the car computer.
These are some of the sensors essential for traction control, ABS and stability control systems. Moreover, the dynamic stability control is available in the latest BMW and Mazda models.
SHOULD I TURN OFF DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL IN MY CAR?
It is not at all recommended to turn off DSC and dynamic traction control or any other safety features. This system stops skidding and provides grip on snowy or dusty roads.
You can have a look at the following BMW and Mazda models that provide dynamic stability control and other major safety features in used cars for sale in the UAE on dubizzle:
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