Driving a car is a constantly engaging process for the
driver. Braking and handling are amongst the most crucial components of
driving. The active safety of a car depends on the way a driver safely brakes
and handles the car. Car handling refers to how a car responds to the inputs of
the driver (braking, turning, accelerating etc.) and how it moves along in the
desired direction of travel. A car being a wheeled vehicle is prone to
understeer and oversteer. Understeer occurs when a car turns less than the steering
input made by the driver. Whereas oversteer occurs when a car turns more than
the steering input made by the driver. When a car experiences understeer or
an oversteer situation the driver loses control of his vehicle and this often
leads to an accident which can be fatal. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is safety technology which mitigates the risk of understeer, oversteer during a
critical driving situation and helps the driver regain control of the car due
to lack of stability. Let’s find out more about this safety technology.
ESC technology was
introduced in 1995 with the Mercedes-Benz being the first car manufacturer to
introduce ESC in their Mercedes-Benz S 600 Coupe. This technology was
jointly developed by Mercedes and Bosch. When the car tires are in contact with
the road surface traction is produced. As a result of this traction, the car
travels along the road in the direction desired by the driver. A loss of
traction often results in the driver losing control of the car. An ESC system
is a computerized system which improves the stability of the car by detecting
traction or loss of steering control and prevents the car from understeer, oversteer.
ESC comes to the rescue during evasive manoeuvres and comes very handy when driving
on low traction surfaces such as slippery, icy road conditions. An ESC system
has multiple components – a steering wheel sensor, yaw control sensor, accelerometer
and a wheel speed monitor. The yaw control sensor monitors the lateral or
sideways movement of the car, while the steering wheel sensor keeps a check on whether
the car is travelling in the desired direction of the input given by the
driver. The ESC systems spring into action when it detects a loss of steering
control of the car. When ESC is activated, the system takes corrective measures
to ensure the car is brought back on route safely. In case of an understeer
situation – the ESC system automatically applies brakes on the rear wheel of
the car, to control and bring the car back on the desired direction of travel.
In case of an oversteer situation – the ESC system applies brakes on the front
wheel of the car, to control and bring the car back on the desired direction of
travel. ABS and ESC are technologies that work parallelly to ensure the safety of the
passengers and car. The Indian government has made it mandatory for all cars in
the country to be equipped with ESC. The great thing about ESC is the fact that
it is always on! The next time you see the ESC warning light flashing in your
car, make sure to get it checked with a mechanic or your service station.
ESC is often regarded
as the most important car safety technology invention after the seatbelt. ESC plays
a crucial in not only preventing damage caused by accidents but more
importantly in saving countless lives. There goes an old cliché – respect, take
care of your car and in return, your car will take care of you!
No comments:
Post a Comment