Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps drivers to avoid crashes by reducing the danger of skidding, or losing control as a result of over-steering. ESC becomes active when a driver loses control of their car. It uses computer controlled technology to apply individual brakes and help bring the car safely, back on track, without the danger of fish-tailing.
Why do I need it?
Australian research shows that ESC reduces the risk of a single car injury crash by 30%.
Single car crashes by 25%
Single 4WD crashes by 51%
Single car injury (driver) crashes by 28%
Single 4WD injury (driver) crashes by 66%
No other active safety device has such potential to reduce single car crashes.
How does it work?
ESC works by using a number of intelligent sensors that detect any loss of control and automatically apply the brake to the relevant wheel, putting your car back on the intended path.
ESC is of assistance to the driver in:
correcting impending oversteering or understeering;
stabilising the car during sudden evasive manoeuvres;
enhancing handling on gravel patches, such as road shoulders; and
improving traction on slippery or icy roads.
Not all ESC systems are identical. The hardware is similar, but there are variations in how ESC systems are programmed to respond once loss of control is detected.
Naturally, the degree of effectiveness of ESC is dependent upon the amount of traction between the road and the car. Therefore on a car with old, worn or inappropriate tyres (eg: non winter tyres on ice and snow), ESC will be less effective than on a car with new tyres or tyres specific to a road environmental condition.
How popular is ESC?
ESC technology is being adopted quite rapidly by Australian manufacturers and importers, but we still have a long way to go in making this life saving technology more available. In 2006, ESC was standard on 22% of all new passenger car sales in Victoria, compared to more than 85% of new car sales in European countries such as Sweden. Before you choose your next car, be sure to look for models where ESC is available.
Is ESC different to Antilock Braking (ABS) and Traction Control?
ABS and Traction control are integral components of an ESC system. Whilst every car with ESC has ABS and Traction Control, those with ABS and Traction control do not necessarily have ESC. ABS and Traction Control only work in the driving (longitudinal) direction, ESC can help drivers to cope with sideways (lateral) movements which create instability. Unlike ABS and Traction Control, ESC is a holistic system that can control a car’s entire movements.
Do I need training to drive a car with ESC?
No. Those who manufacture these systems say that ESC supports the driver but does not require changes to skill levels or driving styles.
Are there different names for ESC?
Yes. Some of the names that we know about in Australia are:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) - Ford, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover
Stability/Swerve Control (VSC) - Toyota, Lexus
Active Stability Control (ASC) - Mitsubishi
Dynamic Stability And Traction Control (DSTC)- Volvo
Stability Assist (VSA)- Honda
Dynamic Control (VDC)- Subaru, Nissan
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
What should I do?
ESC is gaining prominence in Australia. There are now a range of cars on the market that have ESC either as standard or an option. Make sure your next car has ESC.
