WHAT IS TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM IN CAR

Indian drivers are slowly but surely recognizing the importance of motor vehicle safety features. With over 150,000 road accident deaths last year, it is becoming increasingly difficult to downplay the relevance of enhanced safety in reducing fatalities and minimizing economic losses.

In addition to essential offerings like seatbelts, ABS or airbags, relatively more advanced electronic safety features, such as the traction control system in cars are also gaining popularity.

Our blog digs deep to explore the traction control system [TCS] and its value-addition, understand how it works, and explain the functioning of the TCS light.

Key Takeaways?

• TCS is an interventionist safety feature.
• Required and suitable for Indian roads.
• It utilizes sensors.
• Automatically activates.
• It makes you a confident in-charge driver.

 

What is the Traction Control System in a Car?

The traction control system or TCS in a car can be best described as an automatic interventionist safety feature meant to act and prevent accidents, or at least reduce their severity. Often considered a secondary function of ESC or electronic stability control, TCS is intended to avoid wheel spin and loss of traction, primarily on slippery surfaces or during acceleration.

 Why is Traction Control in Cars Important?

Highly congested and poorly maintained Indian roads present uneven surfaces with inadequate warning markers. Monsoons, muddy off-road conditions and the loss of road grip add to the struggles and can easily translate into compromised steering controls or lack of stability. That's where TCS acts as a saviour! It preserves the grip, increases cornering control, prevents wheel spin during acceleration, and stops your car from slipping off the road or losing control.

 How Does a Traction Control System Work in a Car?

A traction control system activates when road surface conditions mismatch your engine power, throttle input and torque transfer. It uses sensors to monitor wheel rotational speeds and quickly identifies the loss of grip. TCS then moves to corrective actions by reducing the engine power or selectively applying brakes to one or more spinning wheels, resulting in traction regain.

 The TCS Light

The traction control system light on your car's dashboard occasionally illuminates to indicate that the TCS system is active/engaged and performing self-checks. It may also come up when wheel slippage is detected, or there is an issue with the system. Depending on the model, the TCS light sign could be placed as a 'car with skid marks' or a ‘triangle shape with TCS written inside.’

 

Common Reasons for TCS Dashboard Light Activation

The TCS light could be activated, flash, stay on, or remain off due to a variety of reasons:

1. Wheel Speed Sensors Malfunction

Damaged sensors may trigger the TCS light.

2. Troubles with ABS Sensors

Less-than-optimum functioning of these sensors can activate the traction control system light.

3. Fault with Other Sensors & Circuits

Challenges with other TCS-related sensors or circuits also lead to the illumination of traction control system light.

4. TCS Computer Issues

Technical/Computer errors may result in light activation.

5. Significantly-low Tyre Pressure

Wheel speed sensors can detect a difference in wheel speed and trigger the TCS light.

 

Safety features are a must and should be non-negotiable, irrespective of the type of car you own, be it an economy segment ride, one of those expensive cars or SUV cars. In spite of substantial progress, expecting drastic betterment of our country's road infrastructure is unrealistic. It always pays to be prepared, and that's what a traction control system does.

Unfortunately, all state-of-the-art and futuristic safety arrangements are insufficient to protect you or your loved ones against unforeseen accidents, damages and liabilities. That's where reliable car insurance comes in handy!

Check out Quickinsure the industry-admired insurance comparison portal, carefully scan all the policies, go through the pricing structures, and pick the right one for yourself.

 

FAQs

1] Should I Drive with Traction Control On or Off?

It is advisable to keep TCS on while driving unless it is absolutely necessary to disable it, for example, when stuck in sand, mud or snow.

2] What is the Difference Between Traction Control and ABS?

TCS reduces the engine power and prevents wheel spin during acceleration. On the other hand, ABS addresses wheel lock-up while braking, avoiding skidding and resulting in better steering control.

3] Does the Traction Control Feature Impact Car Mileage?

No, in most cases, it does not. The impact of traction control on your overall fuel consumption is minimal and negligible compared to its numerous benefits.

4] What Happens When I Press the Traction Control Button?

It toggles, activates, switches on, or deactivates and switches off your car's TCS.

5] Why Would I Need to Turn Off Traction Control Features?

Your car's TCS may limit the torque on relatively unstable surfaces such as mud, sand or snow. Therefore, turning it off could be beneficial for enhancing control in difficult terrain conditions. It is also likely to improve driving dynamics.