Does ESP light flashing during road skidding damage the car?
2 Answers
ESP light flashing during road skidding does not damage the car. When the ESP light on the vehicle dashboard illuminates, it alerts the owner that there may be a malfunction in the vehicle's stability control system, which requires prompt inspection and repair. The causes of ESP failure include: 1. ABS pump malfunction or issues with the ABS pump power supply and grounding circuits; 2. Loose sensor connectors or failure of a specific sensor; 3. Related fuse blown or burned out; 4. Obstruction in system signal transmission; 5. False alarm due to system misreporting. The function of ESP is to apply "mechanical intermittent braking" within one second when the tires are about to lock during braking, allowing the vehicle to maintain steering control via the steering wheel even under full braking.
I often encounter situations where the road is slippery and the ESP light flashes while driving, which is usually nothing to worry about. The flashing light indicates that the Electronic Stability Program is working normally. When the vehicle loses control or is in danger, it automatically intervenes to control the brakes and power, helping to stabilize the car and reduce the risk of accidents. Slipping itself may cause some wear to the tires, such as wearing down the tread, but there is no direct damage to the engine or body. If this happens frequently, I would check the tire pressure and tread wear, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, and have the technician test the ESP module during regular maintenance to ensure the system is responsive. Safety first—driving slower on slippery roads and letting the ESP light do its job protects both the vehicle and the driver's life, which is more important than anything else.