What is the ESP switch used for?

[LaElliot]

ESP stands for Electronic Stability Programme, which is an active safety system. Its main function is to prevent skidding and loss of control when the front wheels, which are responsible for driving and steering, slip during high-speed cornering. ESP achieves this by automatically braking other wheels and intervening in the engine management system. ESP is short for Electronic Stability Programme. It belongs to the vehicle's active safety systems and can also be referred to as a dynamic driving control system. ESP is based on the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ASR (Traction Control System), incorporating additional information from sensors such as the steering wheel angle sensor and lateral acceleration sensor. By controlling the wheel brakes and engine power, ESP corrects skidding. Here’s how to use the ESP system in a car: The ESP system is enabled by default in vehicles, and there is a physical button to turn it off. The ESP system should be turned off when the vehicle is stuck in mud or off-roading, during aggressive driving or drifting, or when snow chains are installed on the tires. While driving, the steering wheel angle sensor monitors the direction and angle of the driver's turn, the speed sensor monitors the vehicle speed and throttle opening, the brake master cylinder pressure sensor monitors braking force, and the lateral acceleration sensor and yaw rate sensor monitor the vehicle's yaw and roll speed. The ECU processes this information to determine the gap between safe driving conditions and the driver's intended maneuvers. The ECU then issues commands to adjust the engine speed and braking force on the wheels. If the actual driving trajectory deviates from the intended one, the ESP system automatically applies braking to specific wheels to correct oversteering or understeering, preventing skidding, excessive steering, insufficient steering, or wheel lock-up. This ensures driving safety and explains the working principle of ESP. Functions of ESP: It ensures vehicle stability (laterally) during turns, preventing skidding. ESP can detect the driver's intended path and actual driving conditions 25 times per second. During turns, it automatically adjusts braking for individual wheels or controls the engine and automatic transmission to maintain stable driving. Components of ESP: Sensors—steering wheel angle sensor (monitors steering angle), wheel speed sensor, yaw rate sensor (monitors the vehicle's rotation around its vertical axis), lateral acceleration sensor (monitors lateral wheel slip), brake pressure sensor; ECU; and actuators.