Electronic stabilization system ESP
Vehicles with anti-lock braking system (ABS) may also be equipped with an electronic stability program (ESP).
The stabilization system controls the vehicle's dynamics in extreme conditions, such as when cornering at high speed. The stabilization system activates the anti-lock, anti-slip, and anti-skid systems and reduces the risk of skidding or drifting under all possible road surface conditions. At all speeds, the stabilization system operates in conjunction with the ABS. If the ABS fails, the stabilization system also malfunctions. The stabilization system is activated automatically after the engine is started. If necessary, this system, together with the anti-slip system, can be switched off and on again by pressing a button.
When the stabilization system is switched off, the ESP control lamp lights up. Normally, the stabilization system is always switched on. Only in certain exceptional cases, when wheel slip is desired, is it preferable to switch off the system, for example:
- when driving with snow chains;
- when driving on deep snow or loose ground;
- when rocking a stuck car.
After passing such sections, it is necessary to turn on the stabilization system again.
Warning: To ensure trouble-free operation of the traction control system, it is necessary that all wheels are equipped with identical tires. Different tire running-in paths may result in an undesirable reduction in engine power.
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Operation of the stabilization system
The electronic stabilization system integrates the anti-lock braking system, anti-slip and anti-skid systems. In addition to the information required for these systems, the electronic stabilization system control unit requires additional data supplied by highly sensitive sensors. The speed of the body movement around the vertical axis of the car, the magnitude of acceleration in the transverse plane, the pressure in the brake drive system and the angle of rotation of the steering wheels are measured.
Based on the data on the steering angle of the steering wheels and the speed of the car, the direction in which the driver intends to move is determined and it is constantly compared with the actual behavior of the car. If these factors do not agree, when the car begins to skid or drift, the stabilization system automatically brakes a certain wheel.
By means of the forces that arise when the desired wheel is braked, the car returns to a state of dynamic stability. When the car oversteers (tendency for the rear of the car to skid) the braking action is applied to the front outer wheel in relation to the turn; understeer (tendency for the front of the car to drift outward around a turn) the rear inner wheel is braked.
Warning: The electronic stability control system cannot overcome the limits set by the laws of physics. This should be kept in mind, especially when driving on slippery or wet roads. Therefore, it is always necessary to adjust the vehicle's driving mode to the road surface and general driving conditions. The increased safety provided by the stability control system does not mean that you can take reckless risks!
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