Motorists are being advised to utilize a specific button to deactivate a key safety system under certain conditions. Traction control, a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles, works to prevent skidding by reducing tire spin and works in conjunction with the ABS system.
However, experts at BigWantsYourCar.com have pointed out that there are situations where turning off traction control could be beneficial. They explained that in extreme conditions such as mud, snow, ice, or loose gravel, allowing the wheels to spin can aid in freeing a stuck car. Disabling traction control briefly in these scenarios can make a difference between being stuck and gaining traction again.
Drivers can identify the button by looking for an icon depicting a car with skid marks or abbreviations like ESC, ESP, or ASR. Most vehicles require the button to be held for a few seconds to deactivate the system intentionally.
The spokesperson emphasized that traction control should only be turned off when necessary, like when stuck and needing extra wheelspin to move forward. For regular driving, especially in adverse weather conditions, traction control should always be kept on as it acts faster than a driver in responding to skids, thereby preventing potential accidents.
The experts stressed the importance of understanding how traction control functions while also advising caution when using it. They reiterated that maintaining traction control activated in everyday driving situations is crucial for ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers.