Some cool technology has come out recently and is becoming more standard in many cars and SUV’s. Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This safety features like I said comes standard with many vehicles now! Usually cars have traction control (TCS) and anti-lock brake system (ABS). However, in order to have ESC, the vehicle must have ABS and TCS. ESC and TCS are built on the Anti-lock Brake System, and all three use the same wheel sensors. In addition to the basic wheel sensors, electronic stability control systems typically require a yaw rate sensor, lateral acceleration sensor, and some method to detect the

movement of the steering wheel. Traction control, which is almost self-explanatory, monitors the traction on the drive train tires. So if you have front wheel drive, the sensors monitor and if the tires start to slip, it lowers the power delivered to help counter-act the loss of traction. Like anti-lock brakes and traction control, electronic stability control is an added safety measure. Electronic stability control systems consist of a number of sensors that compare a driver’s input with the way a vehicle is actually moving. If an ESC system determines that a vehicle is not responding correctly to the steering input, it is capable of taking corrective measures. Individual brake calipers can be activated to correct oversteer or understeer, the engine output can be modulated, and other actions can be taken to help the driver retain control. These systems won’t protect you from careless driving, but they can help keep you on the road under adverse conditions. According to the IIHS, electronic stability control reduces the risk of multiple car, single car, and rollover accidents. The reduction in fatal single vehicle rollovers is the most dramatic, and drivers with ESC are 75 percent more likely to survive those accidents than drivers who don’t have ESC. Another reason to care about ESC is the fact that it may be able to save you money on your insurance premiums. If any of this sounds like a feature you want/need then check out Woody’s Automotive Group in Chillicothe, MO, we have plenty of cars, like this 2013 Dodge Durango Crew for instance, with this safety feature!! For our hours and directions click here!! Check out other Dodge features here!