Is the Vehicle Stability System Effective?
2 Answers
The vehicle stability system is highly effective. Here are the specific functions of the vehicle stability system: 1. Maintains stability during braking: When the tires are about to lock during braking, the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) performs a "mechanical point brake" within one second, allowing the vehicle to maintain steering control even under full braking. 2. Maintains power output during slippage: When the drive wheels slip, the engine speed decreases to reduce power output, while the ESP's electronic control unit applies braking to the slipping drive wheels to prevent slippage and ensure appropriate power output. 3. Maintains output during evasive maneuvers: During emergency avoidance, the ESP intervenes by increasing braking force on the left side when turning left to enhance steering, and similarly on the right side when turning right. 4. Maintains stability during fishtailing: When the vehicle shows signs of fishtailing, the ESP applies braking to the opposite wheels to reduce rotation, helping the vehicle follow the driver's intended steering direction.
We often discuss this in our young car owners' group - ESP is truly a lifesaver. Once when I was driving on a mountain road and suddenly encountered a heavy rainstorm, I clearly felt the tires skidding while taking a sharp turn, with the steering wheel feeling like it was about to slip from my hands. Just as my heart rate spiked, the yellow car icon with skid marks flashed on the dashboard, accompanied by a stuttering vibration under my feet - that was the system braking individual skidding wheels! The car stabilized instantly. Now when buying used cars, we specifically check for this feature, especially for friends who frequently take long trips. Last time, my colleague's old Japanese car didn't have this function and spun 90 degrees on a roundabout during snowfall - fortunately there were no other cars around at that time.
