What does it mean when a car displays 'Check ESC'?
2 Answers
When a car displays 'Check ESC', it indicates a malfunction in the Electronic Stability Control system. It is recommended that the owner take the vehicle to a 4S shop or repair shop to inspect the ESC system, as continuing to drive may pose risks. The ESC system is the Electronic Stability Control system of the vehicle, which is part of the driving assistance system. If this system is damaged, the car may lose control under certain circumstances. The ESC system significantly enhances the vehicle's handling safety and driving convenience. In emergencies such as sharp turns, sudden acceleration, or braking, the system can quickly detect the situation and take appropriate braking measures, such as controlling each tire individually and reducing engine output to maintain vehicle stability.
The car displays "Service ESC Required," which means there's an issue with the Electronic Stability Control system. This system automatically adjusts braking during turns or in rainy conditions to prevent skidding and keep the vehicle stable. Common causes might be dirty or rain-soaked wheel sensors, short circuits in the wiring, or a faulty control module. Once, my car also showed this warning, and it turned out to be a small sensor that was clogged—cleaning it fixed the problem. But don’t ignore it; if it fails during a sharp turn on the highway, the car could lose control and cause an accident. It’s best to visit a repair shop as soon as possible to have them diagnose the issue by reading the fault codes with a computer. When washing your car, be careful not to let mud or water get into the sensors to reduce problems. Regular maintenance, like checking tire pressure, can also help prevent similar issues. Don’t wait until an accident happens to regret it.
