How to turn off the ESP system?
4 Answers
ESP is enabled by default. Pressing the button once turns off the vehicle stability system, which can be deactivated during off-road situations, but it is recommended to keep it on under normal circumstances. Below is more information about ESP: 1. The Chinese name for ESP is the Electronic Stability Program, an active safety feature that controls the braking force and traction of all four wheels. 2. When the vehicle experiences oversteer, understeer, skidding, fishtailing, or body sway, the system adjusts the driving conditions of all four wheels to automatically correct the vehicle's trajectory, ensuring body stability. 3. Generally, vehicles equipped with ESP have the system enabled by default upon starting the engine, providing continuous protection for driving safety. ESP can reduce car accidents by over 30% and SUV accidents by 50%.
When I first started learning to drive, I also wondered how to turn off the ESP. This anti-skid system is a big help. The method is quite simple: find a button with the ESP OFF icon or a car skidding symbol, usually located on the left side of the steering wheel or in the center console area, and just press it. After turning it off, a warning light will appear on the dashboard, indicating the system is deactivated. However, this isn’t a permanent shutdown—it automatically reactivates when driving over 40 mph or after restarting the engine. As a beginner, I must remind you not to turn it off casually in daily driving. It’s only useful in specific situations, like when wheels are stuck in snow or when racing on a track. Different cars have variations—for example, Toyota’s button is usually on the left side, while Honda’s might be on the center console. After turning it off, the steering may feel lighter, but be cautious of losing control. I’ve only tried it a few times in a safe, open area. I recommend checking the owner’s manual first to confirm the button’s location—safety comes first.
As a seasoned driver who frequently goes on long trips, turning off ESP is as simple as pressing a button, with some cars like Volkswagen requiring a long press for it to take effect. The button is usually located near the dashboard, and when pressed, the light turns on to indicate it's off. Normally, keeping it on ensures stable driving, and it's only temporarily turned off when stuck in snowy conditions or wanting to practice handling on dry tracks. Remember, this system automatically resets when driving fast. Personally, I've turned it off on slippery rural roads to accelerate out of trouble, which was helpful but risky—steering becomes more sensitive and prone to fishtailing, so beginners should avoid trying. Turning it off also deactivates traction control, making brakes less responsive, so stay alert to prevent accidents. It's recommended to only operate at low speeds in safe environments, paying close attention to dashboard lights to ensure everything's normal.
After years of driving, the ESP can be turned off by simply pressing the center console button, usually marked with a skidding icon. Press once to turn it off and again to turn it on—simple and convenient. Keep it on daily for fuel efficiency and stability; only turn it off when stuck in snow and needing to accelerate. When off, the system won’t intervene with balance, making the car feel lighter but increasing the risk of skidding. I once tried turning it off on a small road to take turns faster, but it was nerve-wracking and required intense focus. It’s best to leave it on for safety—avoid unnecessary operation.
