Clarify Difference between Traction Control & Stability Control

[Clearly Canadian]

Hi folks, would anyone be able to summarize the difference between traction control and stability control in an AWD context?

 

[Clearly Canadian]

The manual talks about

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and
• traction control

A little confusing. A simpler way of phrasing my question is ‘when would I disable only Traction control, and when should I disable both traction and stability control?

 

[mldavis2]

Maybe a translation issue? Traction control is usually reserved for power modulation to the driving wheels by the computer. ESC combines traction control by power with brake (wheel spin) control by the braking system. Together I would guess the provide VSM.

But I don't know. I've read through the manual twice and some of that didn't "stick" very well. The language is a bit awkward at times.

 

[Dave Miller]

Traction control limits wheel spin so you don't lose control. Stability control is somewhat like an advanced traction control. It can cut power to maneuver the car and change direction if you actually do lose control. If you try to drift with stability control on, the car will straighten itself out.

Here is a good article if you want a more in-depth explanation.

 

[DaJackson]

That article goes in depth but short answer is...

Traction control = keeping power from causing the wheels to spin (generally in a straight line)

Stability control = keeping the car from spinning (generally in a lateral direction)