Does the car ESC button need to be turned on?
3 Answers
ESC system is enabled by default. It can be manually turned off. Keeping ESC on has no impact on normal driving. Here are the relevant details: 1. Function: The ESC system is an electronic vehicle stability control system and a driving safety supplement system that helps avoid hazards. During sharp turns or lane changes when the vehicle becomes highly unstable, it compensates for vehicle stability by applying wheel brakes or controlling engine torque. The ESC function automatically activates when your vehicle is in an extremely unstable condition. Under normal driving conditions, the ESC system does not operate. 2. Lateral stability: ESC primarily controls the longitudinal and lateral stability of the vehicle to ensure stable driving. For example, when a car oversteers during a left turn on slippery roads (causing the rear to slide out to the right, sensed by the sensors as too abrupt), ESC will quickly brake the right front wheel to restore traction, generating an opposing torque to keep the car in its original lane.
I think the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) function is best kept on all the time. It's like an invisible bodyguard, constantly preventing the vehicle from losing control or skidding on slippery roads or during sharp turns. I've driven many cars and encountered skidding situations on rainy or snowy days. ESC automatically intervenes by applying brakes or adjusting power to keep the direction stable. Once during a heavy rain while turning a corner, if ESC hadn't kicked in, I would have veered off the road. The only time to turn it off is in specific situations, like when stuck in deep snow and needing the tires to spin freely to get out, but it should be turned back on immediately afterward. Modern cars usually have it enabled by default, and I recommend new car owners check their vehicle settings to confirm it's on. It doesn't consume extra fuel or electricity, and most importantly, it significantly reduces the risk of accidents. Keeping ESC on is a smart driving choice—don't lose big for small gains.
As an average commuter, I find the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) quite useful during my daily drives. There's an ESC button, but I never fiddle with it—I just keep it on. Whether it's wet roads or highway curves during my commute, ESC quietly assists in controlling skids, giving me extra peace of mind. I remember a time when a friend slammed the brakes and lost control, but ESC kicked in and prevented a crash. There are very few scenarios where you'd turn it off—maybe briefly when off-roading and stuck in mud to free the wheels—but keeping it on is the safest bet. This feature is designed to prevent accidents before they happen, and I don’t recommend turning it off for fun drives. Keeping it active makes driving easier and more worry-free.