Traction Control 101

As winter weather arrives, it’s time for drivers to prepare for handling potentially dangerous driving conditions. At Al's One Stop Auto our mechanics have the experience and technology to keep you and your loved ones safe when roads become slippery. Bring your vehicle in now and we’ll make certain your tires, brakes, windshield wipers and antifreeze are ready for whatever the season has in store.

Many of the newer vehicles on the road today have traction control, a safety feature that started becoming available in the 1980s and 90s. It’s a critical system that’s worth knowing more about at this time of year. How does traction control work, and what do you need to know about it? Read on!

Traction control is an electronic system that prevents your vehicle’s wheels from losing traction and spinning by monitoring the speed of each wheel. If one wheel begins to spin faster than the other three, traction control is activated, either by applying the brakes to the wheel that’s spinning, or decreasing the engine’s power to that wheel to stop it from spinning. This not only comes into play in rain, ice, and snow. Mud, gravel, and sand 

can be similarly challenging for drivers. 

Preventing your vehicle’s wheels from spinning excessively on slippery surfaces is not the only benefit of traction control. It can help your tires last longer, reduce strain on the vehicle’s drivetrain, and produce better gas mileage. In vehicles that have electronic stability control and antilock brakes, traction control adds another safety enhancement for the driver. 

Of course, the most important safety feature in your vehicle is the driver, and technology is no substitute for being cautious when you’re driving in slippery conditions this winter. 

At Al's One Stop Auto we’re ready to winterize your vehicle with a multipoint, bumper-to-bumper inspection to ensure you’ll be safe this winter and year-round. Drive in today or contact us to learn more about our award-winning services!