How much do you know about Electronic Stability Control (ESC)?

10 Questions

What is the purpose of electronic stability control (ESC)?

ESC improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction.

How does ESC help the driver maintain control of the vehicle?

ESC detects loss of steering control and automatically applies the brakes to help steer the vehicle where the driver intends to go.

Does ESC improve a vehicle's cornering performance?

No, it does not improve a vehicle's cornering performance, but it helps reduce the chance of the driver losing control of the vehicle.

What percentage of fatal accidents could be prevented by the use of ESC technology?

One-third of fatal accidents could be prevented by the use of ESC technology.

When did ESC become mandatory in new cars in Canada, the US, and the European Union?

ESC became mandatory in new cars in Canada in 2011, the US in 2012, and the European Union in 2014, respectively.

Which car manufacturer first introduced ESC in 1983?

Toyota Crown was the first car to introduce ESC in 1983.

Name three car manufacturers that introduced their first traction control systems in 1987.

Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota introduced their first traction control systems in 1987.

When was Ford's version of ESC, called AdvanceTrac, launched?

Ford's version of ESC, called AdvanceTrac, was launched in the year 2000.

Which countries have seen a significant increase in the market for ESC?

European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Germany have seen a significant increase in the market for ESC.

Name three ESC system manufacturers.

Bosch, Continental AG, and ZF Friedrichshafen are ESC system manufacturers.

Study Notes

Electronic stability control (ESC) is a computerized technology that improves a vehicle's stability by detecting and reducing loss of traction.
ESC detects loss of steering control and automatically applies the brakes to help steer the vehicle where the driver intends to go.
ESC does not improve a vehicle's cornering performance; instead, it helps reduce the chance of the driver losing control of the vehicle.
One-third of fatal accidents could be prevented by the use of ESC technology.
ESC has been mandatory in new cars in Canada, the US, and the European Union since 2011, 2012, and 2014, respectively.
ESC was first introduced in 1983 on the Toyota Crown.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Toyota introduced their first traction control systems in 1987.
Ford's version of ESC, called AdvanceTrac, was launched in the year 2000.
The market for ESC is growing quickly, especially in European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
ESC advocates around the world are promoting increased ESC use through legislation and public awareness campaigns.
Electronic stability control (ESC) is a safety technology that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle.
It can detect and correct skids and loss of control by applying brakes to individual wheels.
ESC can function on any surface and reacts faster than the typical human driver.
It is not a performance enhancement or a replacement for safe driving practices.
ESC does not increase traction and works within the limits of the vehicle's handling and available traction.
Many vehicles have an override control which allows the system to be partially or fully deactivated.
ESC systems can improve traction in off-road situations by enhancing vehicle stability and braking.
ESC is highly effective in helping the driver maintain control of the vehicle, reducing crashes and saving lives.
The Euro NCAP strongly recommends buying cars fitted with stability control.
ESC incorporates yaw rate control into the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and uses several sensors to determine where the driver intends to travel.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a safety feature that helps prevent cars from skidding or losing control while driving.
ESC uses sensors to detect any loss of control and applies brakes to individual wheels to keep the car on track.
ESC systems are made up of an electronic control unit (ECU), input circuit, digital controller, hydraulic modulator, and other components.
ESC can be temporarily disabled through an override switch, undocumented series of brake pedal and handbrake operations, or unplugging a wheel speed sensor.
Many countries have implemented laws mandating the use of ESC in new vehicles.
ESC is built on top of an anti-lock brake system and costs an additional $111 on average.
ESC is available on cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles from all major automakers.
ESC is highly cost-effective and may pay for itself in reduced insurance premiums.
ESC is the foundation for new advances such as Roll Stability Control and the networking of active and passive safety systems.
ESC system manufacturers include Bosch, Continental AG, and ZF Friedrichshafen.