Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC can help you retain control of your vehicle during high-speed turns or on slippery roads. Along the lines of anti-lock braking systems, ESC compares your intended direction in steering and braking to your vehicle's response in things such as lateral acceleration, rotation and individual wheel speeds.

ESC works best at reducing the risk of rollover, particularly with sport utility vehicles, and some vans and pickup trucks.

How does ESC work?

It applies the brakes to individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces excess engine power as needed, to help correct understeer or oversteer. ESC also controls all-speed traction control, by sensing drive-wheel slip under acceleration and individually braking the slipping wheel or wheels, and/or reducing excess engine power, until control is regained.

SUVs, because of their large size, high centre of gravity and often narrow track width, can roll over or go out of control during sharp turns or abrupt manoeuvres, such as when avoiding a crash. ESC is now a standard safety feature on most SUVs and other vehicles with a high risk of rollover, and optional on many other makes of vehicles. Keep in mind that that ESC cannot override your vehicle's physical limits. If you push your vehicle’s handling too far, ESC cannot prevent a crash. Like anti-lock brakes, it’s a tool to help you maintain control.

Electronic stabilizers help save lives

Studies have confirmed ESC’s effectiveness in helping the driver maintain control of the vehicle, help save lives, and reduce the severity of crashes. Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that ESC reduces the risk of single- and multiple-vehicle crashes. View results (PDF).