What does TCS mean in cars?
2 Answers
TCS in cars stands for Traction Control System, also known as the Track Control System. When driving on slippery surfaces, cars without TCS may experience wheel spin during acceleration. If it's the rear wheels, this can lead to fishtailing. Its functions include improving traction and maintaining driving stability. The TCS device is a computer that monitors the speed of all four wheels and the steering wheel angle. During acceleration, if it detects a significant speed difference between the driving wheels and non-driving wheels, the computer immediately determines that the driving force is excessive and sends a signal to reduce the engine's fuel supply, thereby decreasing the driving force and reducing the slip rate of the driving wheels.
Last time I drove in the rain and encountered slippery road conditions, I almost skidded and got scared into a cold sweat. At that moment, a yellow car icon with wavy lines on the dashboard flashed a few times. My friend said that was the TCS intervening, which stands for Traction Control System. Simply put, when the onboard computer detects that the tires are spinning or skidding, it automatically brakes the skidding wheels while reducing engine power slightly to help the tires regain grip on the road. It's especially useful when climbing snowy slopes or starting on muddy terrain, as the car can stabilize itself and prevent skidding. However, experienced drivers often remind that it's better to turn it off when making sharp turns in snowy conditions, as the system's intervention can be too aggressive and may cut off all power abruptly.
