What This Button Actually Controls
The icon in the image — a car with squiggly lines beneath it — represents your vehicle’s traction control or stability control system. While the wording may differ slightly depending on your car’s make and model, the purpose is the same:
to help your vehicle maintain grip on the road.
When the system is on, it automatically senses when one or more wheels are slipping. The car then responds by:
Gently reducing engine power
Applying braking to specific wheels
Helping the vehicle straighten out if it begins to skid
In everyday terms, traction control helps prevent the car from fishtailing, sliding, or losing control on wet, icy, sandy, or loose surfaces.
Most cars have this feature turned on by default, and for good reason. In normal driving conditions, it can make a tremendous difference in keeping your vehicle stable.
Why Leaving It On Can Help Save Lives
ADVERTISEMENT
