How does the ESP work?
2 Answers
ESP works by: sensor signals determining the driving state, and through calculations, the control unit performs optimal control. When rotation, understeer, or oversteer occurs, it individually controls each wheel to improve vehicle stability, and controls indicator and warning lights based on the vehicle's condition. ESP (Electronic Stability Program) is an active safety system, a non-independent system built on top of other traction control systems. Its control steps are: 1. The ECU determines the driver's intention and analyzes the vehicle's movement state; 2. When there is a significant deviation between the driver's intention and the vehicle's movement, the hydraulic pressure control device adjusts the braking force of each wheel separately, and adjusts the engine output through the communication circuit connected to the engine to prevent accidents.
That day in heavy rain, the car almost fishtailed while taking a high-speed corner, and the dashboard suddenly beeped—it was really startling. Later, I learned it was the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) stepping in, acting like an experienced driver helping you brake! The car has several 'eyes': wheel speed sensors constantly monitor the rotation of all four wheels, the steering angle sensor remembers how much you've turned the wheel, and the yaw sensor detects if the car starts 'dancing.' When the computer notices wheel speeds mismatching or the rear end sliding, it instantly applies brakes to individual wheels to straighten the car. For example, during a fishtail in a left turn, it aggressively brakes the right front wheel to stabilize the front—way faster than human reflexes. The system even tells the engine to ease off the power, all in just fractions of a second. Now you know why they say never turn off ESP when driving on highways in the rain!
