Driving in harsh weather can be challenging without the proper equipment.

The traction control icon is often displayed on your dashboard as a car with two lines below it.

What Is Traction Control?

traction control light feature image

Traction control is a dedicated system created in 1985 to help drivers stay on the road.

This system utilizes signals from your wheel speed sensors to find variations in the wheel speed.

Traction control proves to be necessary to prevent drivers from losing control of their vehicles.

esp button image

As such, traction control became a requirement for passenger vehicles post-2012.

If you own a newer car, chances are, it is probably equipped with it.

This system is especially helpful when traction is not readily available under hard acceleration.

abs module

Although they serve similar purposes and functions using similar components, each unit specializes in different driving applications.

While ESP can perform the same tasks as traction control, it doesn’t go the other way around.

ESP is also commonly referred to as ESC,which stands for electronic stability control.

How Does Traction Control Work?

Although it serves similar responsibilities to the ABS system, traction control is triggered using different sensors.

The information processed in the ECU initiates the automatic braking via the automatic traction control valveusing the onboard ABS.

Traction control and ABS are two different systems that are not interchangeable.

Why Is Traction Control Important?

Traction control is imperative in inclement weather, as traction isn’t always available.

The power generated from the engine will transfer to each wheel evenly.