What does the off button in the car mean?

[DeBeckett]

Car's off button is the deactivation switch for the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. This system is enabled by default and can be turned off by long-pressing this button. Many vehicles are equipped with this system, but naming conventions vary across different brands and technology providers. For instance, Honda calls it VSA, Toyota refers to it as VSC, Nissan names it VDC, and BMW labels it DSC. Despite the different names, their working principles are essentially similar - they all serve as active safety features. The system operates by detecting when the rotational speed difference between left and right wheels exceeds the computer's preset threshold, which the system interprets as vehicle skidding or fishtailing. It then responds by applying individual wheel braking and reducing engine torque output to control and prevent skidding or fishtailing situations. The off button also integrates functions of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), and Traction Control System (TCS).