Electronic stabilization system ESP
Vehicles with anti-lock braking system (ABC) can also be equipped with an electronic stabilization system (ESP).
The stabilization system controls the dynamics of the car in extreme conditions, for example, when negotiating corners at high speed. The stabilization system uses anti-lock, anti-slip and anti-slip systems and reduces the risk of drifting or skidding the car in all possible road surface conditions. At all speeds, the stabilization system works in conjunction with the ABS. When the ABS fails, the operation of the stabilization system is also disrupted. The stabilization system turns on automatically after starting the engine. If necessary, by pressing a button, this system, together with the traction control system, can be turned off and on again.
When the stabilization system is off, the ESP warning lamp is on. Usually the stabilization system is always on. Only in certain exceptional cases, when wheel spin is desired, is it preferable to switch off the system, for example:
- when driving with snow chains;
- when driving in deep snow or on loose ground;
- when rocking a stuck vehicle.
After overcoming such sections, it is necessary to turn on the stabilization system again.
Warning: To ensure trouble-free operation of the traction control system, it is necessary that all wheels are dressed in the same tires. Different tire break-in paths can lead to an undesirable reduction in engine power.
The operation of the stabilization system
The electronic stabilization system integrates anti-lock braking system, anti-slip and anti-slip systems. In addition to the information that is needed for these systems, the electronic stabilization system control unit requires additional data that is supplied by highly sensitive sensors. The speed of movement of the body around the vertical axis of the vehicle, the magnitude of accelerations in the transverse plane, the pressure in the brake drive system and the angle of rotation of the steered wheels are measured.
Based on the steering angle and vehicle speed, the direction in which the driver intends to travel is determined and constantly compared with the actual behavior of the vehicle. If these factors are inconsistent, when the car begins to drift or skid, the stabilization system automatically brakes a certain wheel.
Through the forces that arise when the desired wheel is braked, the car returns to a state of dynamic stability. When the car is oversteered (desire to skid the rear of the car) the braking effect is applied to the front outer wheel in relation to the rotation; with understeer (the desire to demolish the front of the car out of the turn) the rear inner wheel is braked.
Warning: The electronic stabilization system cannot overcome the limits set by the laws of physics. This should not be forgotten, especially when driving on slippery or wet roads. Therefore, it is always necessary to coordinate the driving mode of the vehicle with the state of the road surface and the general driving conditions. Increased safety due to the presence of a stabilization system does not mean that you can take reckless risks!
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