Is it really that efficient? Personally, I think so. On two recent occasions when I was driving two different models (Toyota Sequoia Limited and Jaguar X-Type), I managed to get back on my original line even though I had unexpectedly slipped on a wet patch while cornering. Whether you're driving in the snow, under the rain or in front of a sudden obstacle that requires emergency maneuvers, you too will be able to avoid losing control of your vehicle. Until your car is equipped with ESC, always keep your focus on the road and not on the obstacle that's coming towards you. You'll stand a better chance to avoid it.
Different names, same technology
You probably know how most automakers call their respective ESC system: Stabilitrak (GM), AdvanceTrac (Ford), Dynamic Stability Control - DSC (BMW), Electronic Stability Program - ESP (Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Jeep, Kia, Saab, Volkswagen). There is also VDC (Nissan), VDCS (Subaru), VSC (Toyota/Lexus) and VSA (Honda/Acura). Each company uses a different name for marketing purposes, which only creates confusion in the minds of consumers. However, the technology is based on the same principles. In fact, you will find two main suppliers of ESC systems in the world: Continental and Bosch.
Objections?
Very few. In Canada, ESC-equipped vehicles will have to include a button that allows the system to be turned off. Indeed, if you happen to get stuck in the mud or the snow, ESC will prevent you from gradually moving the car back and forth in order to get out of trouble, thus forcing you to call a tow truck. In his usual witch hunt, Phil Edmundston complained about how speed fanatics like to deactivate the system to accelerate even faster. As far as I'm concerned, I believe that these same speed freaks will always find ways to go faster and faster -- with or without ESC. For someone who regularly drives premium sports cars on the track, I prefer to leave the system ON in all circumstances because it affords me better control of the vehicle.
ESC systems are designed to keep the car on the road (or the track). How do you think Michael Schumacher won his numerous F1 championships with Ferrari? Answer: with the help of several electronic assists that made the car stick to the surface, regardless of the conditions. On the road, these technologies allow driver to face the unexpected, like a deer suddenly jumping in the middle of the highway, a kid running after his errand ball or a tractor entering the road without making a stop. My only criticism targets automakers: they all should have included ESC as standard equipment by now. It's a shame we always have to resort to federal regulations to restore common sense.
Try it!
With its education campaign, Transport Canada hopes to make buyers fully aware of the benefits of ESC and counts on automakers and automotive associations to organize demo sessions. Continental will put to our disposal a three-minute video that we will definitely feature on our website. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
photo:Ford
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Different names, same technology
You probably know how most automakers call their respective ESC system: Stabilitrak (GM), AdvanceTrac (Ford), Dynamic Stability Control - DSC (BMW), Electronic Stability Program - ESP (Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Jeep, Kia, Saab, Volkswagen). There is also VDC (Nissan), VDCS (Subaru), VSC (Toyota/Lexus) and VSA (Honda/Acura). Each company uses a different name for marketing purposes, which only creates confusion in the minds of consumers. However, the technology is based on the same principles. In fact, you will find two main suppliers of ESC systems in the world: Continental and Bosch.
Objections?
Very few. In Canada, ESC-equipped vehicles will have to include a button that allows the system to be turned off. Indeed, if you happen to get stuck in the mud or the snow, ESC will prevent you from gradually moving the car back and forth in order to get out of trouble, thus forcing you to call a tow truck. In his usual witch hunt, Phil Edmundston complained about how speed fanatics like to deactivate the system to accelerate even faster. As far as I'm concerned, I believe that these same speed freaks will always find ways to go faster and faster -- with or without ESC. For someone who regularly drives premium sports cars on the track, I prefer to leave the system ON in all circumstances because it affords me better control of the vehicle.
ESC systems are designed to keep the car on the road (or the track). How do you think Michael Schumacher won his numerous F1 championships with Ferrari? Answer: with the help of several electronic assists that made the car stick to the surface, regardless of the conditions. On the road, these technologies allow driver to face the unexpected, like a deer suddenly jumping in the middle of the highway, a kid running after his errand ball or a tractor entering the road without making a stop. My only criticism targets automakers: they all should have included ESC as standard equipment by now. It's a shame we always have to resort to federal regulations to restore common sense.
Try it!
With its education campaign, Transport Canada hopes to make buyers fully aware of the benefits of ESC and counts on automakers and automotive associations to organize demo sessions. Continental will put to our disposal a three-minute video that we will definitely feature on our website. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
photo:Ford