Should the Vehicle Stability System Be Turned Off on Rainy Days?

[AndrewRose]

The vehicle stability system should be turned off on rainy days. Situations where ESP needs to be turned off include: 1. When the vehicle is stuck in mud or sand: Imagine driving in muddy conditions where wheel traction is minimal. The ESP will activate, applying brakes to certain wheels. In this scenario, engine torque is continuously consumed by wheels with lower rolling resistance, and the ESP limits engine RPM. Even if you press the accelerator hard, it may still be difficult to escape. Therefore, turning off the ESP is necessary to free the vehicle. 2. When encountering wheel slip while climbing on rainy or snowy days: When starting on snowy or waterlogged roads, especially on slopes, wheels are prone to slipping. The system detects this and the ESP restricts engine output, potentially preventing the vehicle from climbing slopes that it would otherwise manage. 3. When using snow chains: With snow chains installed, sensors like wheel speed sensors and lateral acceleration sensors may provide inaccurate signals, affecting the ESP's normal operation. The ESP might continuously intervene or display error codes, making it better to turn it off.