Modern automobiles are equipped with several active and passive safety features. These features are getting more advanced with the arrival of each new model. Every automobile brand has its own nomenclature for features that often confuse users. The most commonly intermixed features are traction and stability control safety features. Both of the features seem similar, but there are some major differences between them.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the working and uses of traction and stability control.
Traction Control Vs Stability Control
Traction and stability control are counted among the most common car safety features. The purpose of both features is to maintain traction while driving but the usage and purpose of both systems are different.
Here we have listed some points that will elaborate on the major difference between traction and stability control.
Traction Control System
The traction control system is a safety feature that is responsible for maintaining the traction of vehicles. The system limits the spinning of one wheel and transfers power to the other wheel to balance the traction. This transfer of power to different wheels enables vehicles to drive through different terrains conveniently.
Working of Traction Control
Traction control is an active safety feature that allows vehicles to use acceleration and traction available on terrain. The system works by measuring the wheelspin and controlling it by braking or accelerating.
In simple words, when a car loses traction, the system measures which wheel is spinning more. The power is transferred from a more spinning wheel to a less spinning wheel to regain traction. To limit the wheelspin, traction control uses an anti-lock braking system (ABS) or limits the power supply from the engine.
Stability Control System
A stability control system is more complex and advanced contrary to traction control. A stability system uses multiple sensors and other related systems to regain traction and ensure that the vehicle is moving in the intended direction. Unlike traction control, stability control is capable of cutting off the power to wheels completely or even applying brakes individually.
Working of Stability Control
The modern stability system works in collaboration with ABS, wheelspin sensors and other types of sensors. The steering wheel sensor, brake sensor and accelerator-pedal sensor inform the car computer regarding the speed and direction of the vehicle. Meanwhile, a yaw sensor and three-axis accelerometer module detect the longitudinal and lateral direction of the vehicle. That said, all the sensors estimate the loss of traction, handling and cornering capability in comparison to the vehicle’s direction and speed.
In case a major difference is observed between traction, acceleration and direction, the stability control is engaged. The system then provides more power to one wheel or cuts off the power from wheels and engages brakes to maintain traction. If the ABS fails to regain traction, then engine controls are engaged.
Uses of Traction and Stability Control
Apart from working, there are some major differences between the usage of traction and stability control that are listed below.
Traction Control Usage
The traction control system is ideally used for the following circumstances.
To Limit the Wheelspin
Increased wheelspin can be a reason for losing vehicle control. This can occur due to multiple reasons but the most common ones are: turning or cornering vehicles at higher agility or rapid acceleration. In these circumstances, traction control is ideally used to limit the wheelspin and maintain traction.
When Traction is Lost
As evident from the name, the traction control system is engaged when the vehicle detects loss of traction. The loss of traction can be due to over-acceleration or rough terrain. Regardless of the reason, the traction system activates and stabilizes the vehicle.
2WD Drivetrain System
Cars with 2WD drivetrain systems will either be Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) or Front Wheel Drive (FWD). In both cases, the chances of oversteer, understeer, loss of traction, and vehicle control are increased. Therefore, traction control is essential for 2WD cars for ensuring proper traction while driving through different terrains.
Stability Control Usage
Now that you are aware of the uses of traction control, let’s get through the uses of stability control to clarify the difference between the systems.
Reducing Loss of Control
The stability control system is engaged when the vehicle is not moving in the intended direction. Since it is more technologically advanced, stability control applies brakes, reduces engine power and measures traction on each wheel to maintain vehicle control.
Avoiding Understeer and Oversteer
The understeer and oversteer occur when the vehicle turns more than the driver’s intent. This not only results in traction loss but also in vehicle control loss. For oversteer, the stability control applies brakes on the outer front wheel and for understeer, it applies brakes on the left rear wheel. The stability control is able to do this because of different sensors and information from the car computer. In the case of traction control, it is not possible as it is not connected to other sensors.
These were all the differences between traction and stability control. With time, driver safety has become a major concern for the automobile brand. To cater to this, a number of advanced safety features are being introduced in modern vehicles. Therefore, when purchasing a used car for sale in the UAE make sure it has the necessary safety features in it.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on traction and stability control warnings.
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