Uses of Traction Control Systems in Cars
Recently, more and more cars are equipped with a Traction Control System (TCS). Its presence really helps driving safety because it can control traction and prevent the car from skidding.
So far, many accidents have occurred because the driver lost control of the car. The triggers are various things, such as slippery road conditions or inappropriate driving maneuvers. This can cause the car to skid and lose control.
It is very dangerous if the driver loses control due to skidding or also known as a spin. If it is experienced by a car with front wheel drive, the slipping of the wheels will cause symptoms of understeer. Later the driver will not be able to maintain the correct cornering path.
Meanwhile, if a skid occurs in a rear-wheel drive car, oversteer will occur. The car can spin uncontrollably.
This dangerous condition can be avoided by using TCS. This technology is able to control traction and keep the wheels from slipping when the car is accelerating.
TCS works by controlling engine power and braking on the wheels that drive the car. This system is controlled by the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in the car. The ECU will control the TCS based on input data from a number of sensors in the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) brake system and the car's drive wheels.
Please note, for TCS to operate there are sensors installed on the wheels to detect wheels that are losing traction, slipping, or spinning faster than other wheels. Usually this sensor is installed together with the ABS sensor.
When a wheel movement anomaly is detected by the sensor, the ECU will immediately limit the engine power output. In this case, the method varies depending on the type of car. There are cars that do this by cutting off the fuel supply to the cylinder chamber. Then for cars that have implemented drive by wire, closing the throttle and reducing the turbocharger boost can be done to reduce engine power.
Whatever way the engine power is reduced, at the same time, the ECU will command the ABS brakes to increase the brake pressure on the wheel that is experiencing slipping or spinning.
An example of an easy illustration is a front-wheel drive car. TCS detects both front wheels as driving the car. If during rapid acceleration there are symptoms of slipping on the left wheel, the ECU will immediately limit the distribution of engine power.
At the same time, the ECU also activates the brake on the left wheel to reduce rotation and gain grip on the road surface. The opposite also applies in cars with rear wheel drive or if slip detection is felt on the right wheel.
USEFUL ON CORNERS AND SLIPPERY ROADS
The usefulness of TCS will be felt in slippery road conditions or when cornering. For example, when it rains, the road surface will be flooded. At that time the car was more prone to slipping and the wheels losing traction.
When a vehicle corners at high speed, the driver can lose control because the road surface is slippery due to rain. However, if you use TCS, this risk can be minimized.
Slowly, TCS will apply braking so that the car can turn gently and safely. Apart from that, the engine power will also be adjusted automatically so that the wheels maintain traction.
Automatic braking with TCS is also measurable. Each wheel will be given its own brake strength which may not be the same strength. The level of braking will depend on the needs of the wheels at that time.
Assessment of the level of brake requirements on one wheel depends on the detection of the installed sensors. This system is able to prevent the car from slipping because the wheels suddenly stop. This way, the driver can drive smoothly through corners safely.
The use of TCS is vital for driving safety and comfort. It's no wonder that more and more cars are using it.