In the event that you hit a curb at a high speed. The steering wheel is not turning when you turn it, and instead, your vehicle is skidding instead. Your car has lost control due to this, but do not worry. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has been installed to ensure your safety.
ESC is an electronic stability control system designed to assist you in regaining control of your vehicle when you turn at high speeds. But how does it work? Let’s take a look at this.
What Is Electronic Stability Control?
Compared to the vehicles of a few decades ago, modern vehicles are smarter, more efficient, and more effective. In today’s cars, every aspect of the vehicle is monitored by sensors. A computer in your car tracks how fast each wheel is turning, if and how your vehicle is tipping, and how it is turning the wheel, among other things. Modern safety equipment makes use of this data, which is powerful. It is easier to skid out of control and lose control of an old car without the proper safety sensors as opposed to a newer vehicle that has all the safety sensors.
Modern vehicles have electronic stability control (ESC) systems that prevent this from happening. The ESC system makes it harder to crash, but it’s still possible. With the system, you won’t slip and slide as much as you would in a car without it. With electronic stability control, your vehicle can be kept under control even in the worst driving conditions with a combination of powerful sensors and software programs. You can appreciate all the technology keeping you safe when you know how an ESC system works.
| Company | System Name |
|---|---|
| Audi | Electronic Stability Program, or ESP |
| Ford | Advance Trac |
| GM (General Motors) | Stabilitrak |
| Porsche | Porsche Stability Management |
What Does Electronic Stability Control Do?
Modern vehicles use speed sensors and automatic braking systems as part of their ESCs. Using these sensors, the brakes are applied in a way to avert skidding or loss of control when a skid or loss of control is likely. Additionally, the system incorporates a steering angle sensor, which determines how quickly and in what direction the steering wheel is being turned. Keeping your vehicle under control in slippery roads, sharp corners, and other hazardous driving situations is easier with electronic stability control when all these different components work together well. All the technical improvements in modern vehicles help drivers maintain safe control in a variety of driving situations, and drivers are unaware of how intelligent their vehicles are.
Below are some tools and technologies that make ESC work:
- Wheel speed sensors
- Steering angle sensor
- Yaw rate sensor
- Accelerometers
- Automatic braking systems
Your driving would be more difficult without this system, requiring you to exercise greater caution in some conditions. When your electronic stability control light comes on, you should exercise caution, especially when driving on slippery roads. These systems are often taken for granted, but if yours comes on, it will be more dangerous to drive.
What Is The Importance Of ESC In A Car?
The importance of it cannot be overstated. A study conducted in the UK showed that ESC can reduce fatalities by 25%. According to Swedish studies, cars with ESC systems are 32% less likely to be involved in accidents due to bad weather.
Therefore, electronic stability programs play an essential role in maintaining road safety for you and your passengers.
Electronic Stability Control is not installed in all cars; it is only available in models from 2014. Adding this requirement was made mandatory by the European Union.
How Do ESCs And ESPs Differ?
A stability control system exists under the name of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a stability program under the name of Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). There is no difference between their purposes and they share the same intent.
As you can see, there is only a difference in the names since each manufacturer uses a different brand name for their stability control systems. For instance, Porsche uses the PSM system, BMW uses the DSC system, Jaguar uses the GP system, Maserati uses the MSP system, and so forth.
Stability Control VS Traction Control: What’s The Difference?
When traction control is activated, it only manages wheelspin, but stability control can steer your car. By contrast, traction control only mitigates wheelspin, while stability control controls the vehicle’s yaw.
There is a difference between stability control and traction, and both can play a vital role in keeping the vehicle stable.
ESC Causes
Bring your vehicle to a Mercedes Center for diagnosis if you see the ESC warning light. It is the mechanic’s job to decode codes and diagnose the problem using a variety of tools and scanners.
Some causes of an ESC light appearing, however, are listed below:
- Sensor for steering angle is faulty
- Wiring Issues
- ABS Sensor Issues
- ESC Is Disabled
- Damaged Control Module
- Low Battery Or A Blown Fuse
- Slipping
How Does Service ESC Work?
ESC, or electronic stability control, is not functioning properly when a message is displayed saying service ESC. This system has a malfunctioning sensor or another component. Your car doesn’t need to be stopped if you see the message. Drive carefully, however, if you want to avoid accidents. The ESC system won’t work when that service light comes on, so you’ll slip and slide more. In icy conditions, you may slide and get into an accident if you don’t drive slowly and corner carefully. This error message means your car needs to be inspected and repaired at a local garage. Make sure you drive carefully until you can do that.
When the Electronic Stability Control light is on, can I drive?
It is true that you can drive while you have your electronic stability control light on, but you need to be aware that doing so puts your safety in jeopardy every time you do so. If you don’t have an electronic stability control system on your vehicle, you can still operate it safely. However, you are more likely to lose control if you don’t have one.
It is important to drive cautiously if you are aware that the ESC system is malfunctioning. Taking corners more carefully, braking gently, and driving slower than usual will help you accomplish this. You might be able to drive safely without the electronic stability system until you are able to fix it if you do all of these things and avoid driving on snowy or slippery roads. When you drive without extra stability systems, you are more at risk than when they are operating, so you should consult a mechanic as soon as possible.
How to Fix Electronic Stability Control?
Sensors, wiring, and the module itself are typically the parts of electronic stability control (ESC) that need diagnostics and repairs. Check your vehicle’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps if your ESC warning light is illuminated. Many times, the system can be reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, which may result in a permanent solution to the problem. To check for any fault codes stored in the vehicle’s computer, you should use a diagnostic scan tool if the problem persists. If a wheel speed sensor or control module is malfunctioning, these codes can pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. A defective component can often be repaired or replaced in order to restore the ESC system to its original functioning state. To ensure that the system is properly calibrated and repaired, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic or dealership.
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What is the cost of repairing an electronic stability control?
If you need to repair your ESC system, it is impossible to say how much it will cost. Sensors and substantial wiring are connected to the system, so it’s not surprising that the system has so many components. The system could be misbehaving as a result of any of these components. Your problem must be properly troubleshooted by a mechanic to be effectively resolved. Normally, replacing a sensor in a vehicle costs between $100 and $200, but if the vehicle requires significant troubleshooting or if the wiring is faulty, the cost may be higher than that.
Nearly every new car sold today comes equipped with electronic stability controls. In order to make sure you’re buying a vehicle that has the safety features you value most, it’s important to choose your next vehicle carefully. Make sure you check out the specs on the vehicle before you buy it, and make sure it works and is not in need of major repairs.
Conclusion
ESCs monitor steering and enhance vehicle safety by monitoring steering inputs. By reducing skidding and helping the driver control the vehicle, electronic stability control decreases the unfortunate vehicle’s tyre skid. If the ESC system malfunctions, the sensors may be faulty and the wiring could be faulty.
If you see the ESC warning light, make sure it is resolved as soon as possible. Upon completion of this service, you’ll feel as if your vehicle is on cloud nine.
