Electronic Stability Control
Introduction
- These pages provide information about Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and list some of the names and acronyms which the manufacturers give to ESC.
- As and when there is research proving other vehicle technologies improve road safety, we will add information about these to the website.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in brief
- ESC is a safety feature which can help drivers avoid accidents.
- The Department for Transport has carried out research into ESC which indicates that ESC equipped vehicles are involved in 25% fewer fatal road accidents. The full report on of this research can be read by clicking here (PDF, 624KB):
- ESC appears to also offer benefits in adverse road conditions, such as wet or snowy conditions, and especially in reducing the number or severity of crashes which lead to skidding and/ or overturning.
- This is a new safety feature which is available as standard on some new cars and as an option on many others. ESC might also be fitted to some recently registered second-hand cars.
Why might you want ESC?
- Many accidents involve the driver losing control of the vehicle. This can be due to misjudgement (for example, going into a corner too quickly), or because the driver has to make a sudden manoeuvre to avoid a hazard, or because the driver hits a slippery road surface (eg ice).
- When these types of events happen, the vehicle often exceeds the limit of traction (grip) the tyres have with the road causing the car to slide. When this happens either the car cannot turn quickly enough (known as under-steer) or it turns too quickly (over-steer).
- Once control has been lost, it is very hard for the driver to steer the vehicle safely. An accident is often the result.
- If the loss of control can be avoided, or it can be corrected, an accident could be avoided.
- ESC senses when a vehicle is wandering from the intended direction. It applies small amounts of braking at each wheel individually to take the car back to its planned course.
- The driver does not have to activate the ESC. The driver might not even be aware that the ESC system has intervened.
How does ESC work?
- ESC has developed from other systems such as ABS (anti-lock braking system) brakes and traction control.
- The ABS braking systems sense when a road wheel is about to skid and adjusts the braking individually at that wheel.
- This technology plus extra sensors and a computerised control unit are used by Electronic Stability Control.
- The ESC system constantly monitors the signals it receives from the steering, the wheels and a sensor mounted on the body of the vehicle which gives information about its direction.
- The signals are processed to work out whether or not the vehicle is sliding as it negotiates a bend or corner.
- If the sensors detect the vehicle sliding, the control unit applies a small amount of braking force to whichever wheel is needed to stabilise the course of the vehicle. Some ESC systems also adjust the power output of the engine.
Alternative names for ESC
- Vehicle manufacturers may call ESC by another, trademarked name. The following is a list of most vehicle manufacturers and the name they give to ESC.
| Manufacturer | Name(s) | Acronym(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Alfa Romeo | Vehicle Dynamic Control | VDC |
| Audi | Electronic Stabilization Programme | ESP |
| BMW | Dynamic Stability Control | DSC |
| Chrysler | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Citroen | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Fiat | Vehicle Dynamic Control/Electronic Stability Programme | VDC/ESP |
| Ford | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| General Motors | StabiliTrak | StabiliTrak |
| Hyundai | Vehicle Dynamic Control/Electronic Stability Programme | VDC/ESP |
| Honda | Vehicle Stability Assist | VSA |
| Jaguar | Dynamic Stability Control | DSC |
| Jeep | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Kia | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Land Rover | Dynamic Stability Control | DSC |
| Lexus | Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management/Vehicle Stability Control | VDIM/VSC |
| Mazda | Dynamic Stability Control | DSC |
| Mercedes | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Mini Cooper | Dynamic Stability Control | DSC |
| Mitsibishi | Active Yaw Control | AYC |
| Nissan | Vehicle Dynamic Control | VDC |
| Peugeot | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Porsche | Porshe Stability Management | PSM |
| Renault | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Saab | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| SEAT | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Skoda | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Subaru | (Subaru) Vehicle Dynamics Control | (S)VDC |
| Toyota | Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management/Vehicle Stability Control | VDIM/VSC |
| Vauxhall | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
| Volvo | Dynamic Stabililty and Traction Control | DSTC |
| VW | Electronic Stability Programme | ESP |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does ESC do?
A. Recent research has found that vehicles which are fitted with ESC are 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those without it. Also, they are 11% less likely to be involved in a serious accident and overall 7% fewer crashes involving an injury. Full details may be seen by clicking here (PDF, 624KB):
Q. Will it prevent all accidents from occurring?
A. The simple answer is no. ESC helps reduce the likelihood of accidents which involve a vehicle skidding in a spin and/ or overturning.
Q. Does ESC assist driving in any other ways?
A. ESC can assist the driver when the road conditions are adverse, for example very wet weather or icy or snowy conditions.
Q. How much does ESC cost?
A. On some new cars ESC is a standard feature and on many others it is an optional extra, sometimes packaged with other non-safety related features. The motor insurance industry indicates that the average cost is £440.
Q. Will ESC ever be a standard feature on cars?
A. EU Member States and the manufacturers are working on a technical specification and standard for ESC. Once this has been produced and agreed then ESC may be a mandatory item on all new vehicles registered in the EU.
Q. Is ESC available for vehicles such as trucks or buses/ coaches?
A. Yes. The technical requirements have been agreed internationally and the fitment of ESC on new trucks, trailers and buses/ coaches will become mandatory after July 2009 for new types. Initially it will be fitted to urban coaches and 2-axle tractor units and gradually phased in for other vehicles from this date.
Q. Can ESC cause problems?
A. If the vehicle is stuck on a soft surface (such as mud or snow) wheel spinning may occur and the driver might not be able to release the vehicle. Therefore the UN Global Technical Regulation has agreed that there should be a system fitted which will enable the driver to temporarily disable the ESC system in situations such as this.
Q. Where can I find further information about ESC?
A. The "Choose ESC" website ChooseESC, the "eSafety effects" database eSafety effects and the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (Thatcham) Thatcham all provide further information.
Q. How can I find out which cars have ESC fitted as standard?
A. The Thatcham ESC ratings guide allows you to search by manufacturer, model and years to see whether ESC is available as standard, as an optional extra or not at all. There is also information on the EuroNCAP site showing ESC fitment rates across Europe.
Q. Where can I find information about other new vehicle technologies?
A. The European Union has a website which includes information about new safety technologies at: Europe.
