How Electronic Stability Control Makes Vehicles Safer and More Reliable

What is the Electronic Stability Control Doing?

For a modern vehicle, the ESC meaning for the car is a series of speed sensors and an automatic braking system. Together, the sensors determine when the vehicle is likely to skid or lose control, and the brakes are applied in a manner to stop that from happening. The system also includes a steering angle sensor that can determine which direction and at what speed you are turning the steering wheel. When all these different components work together effectively, the stability system can help keep your vehicle under control on slippery roads, around sharp corners, and in other hazardous driving situations. Modern vehicles are more intelligent than most drivers realize, and all the additional technical improvements aid drivers in maintaining safe control in a range of driving environments.

The ESC system uses the following tools and technologies to keep you safe:

• Wheel speed sensors
• Steering angle sensor
• Yaw rate sensor
• Accelerometers
• Automatic braking systems

Without help from this system, you would struggle to maintain control in some driving conditions and would have to exercise more caution than you currently do. Many drivers take these systems for granted, but if your electronic stability control light comes on, you should know that your vehicle will be more dangerous to drive and that you should exercise caution, especially when driving on slippery roads.

The NHTSA Requires Electronic Stability Control Systems on All Light Vehicles Today

Since 2007, the NHTSA has required every light vehicle sold to be equipped with electronic vehicle control systems, or ESCs. These systems are so effective at preventing accidents that they are nearly essential in vehicles today. If you want to remain safe while driving, you want a vehicle equipped with these systems to help keep you safe. An ESC system doesn't guarantee that you won't lose control or flip your vehicle, but they make doing so more difficult by far.

This rule means that if you choose a vehicle that's newer than 2007, you can trust that it's equipped with an ESC system. If you get something older than that, you must look closely to see what safety features it's equipped with. Without this technology, you will have to drive more carefully, and you could get into dangerous driving situations more easily.

ESC Systems Save Lives

Statistics show that electronic stability control systems effectively prevent fatal accidents and keep people safer when driving. According to the IIHS, ESC systems prevent thousands of fatal accidents annually. The data supporting these systems is what led to all passenger vehicles being required to come with ESC systems as standard by 2012. That means any vehicle you purchase that's a 2012 or newer should come with an electronic stability control system installed. That's a major safety upgrade and should lead to even fewer accidents over time.

The System Can't Stop All Accidents

An ESC system isn't good for stopping all accidents from occurring. Rear-end collisions and other accidents that result from drivers being distracted or asleep can't be prevented by these systems. There are other technologies now being installed on vehicles that help with these things, too. Radar systems watch for impending collisions on some modern vehicles, and some can even activate emergency braking systems to slow you down before a collision if you're about to crash.

As technology improves, crashes become less likely, and drivers remain safer as a result. An electronic stability control system is just one of the pieces of the puzzle, and you should get to know all the other safety features of modern vehicles so you understand how they keep you safe.

What Does Service ESC Mean?

If you have a message illuminated saying service electronic stability control, or service ESC, the meaning is that the system isn't performing properly. One of the sensors or another part of the system is malfunctioning. If you see the message, you don't have to stop using your car. You do have to be careful if you go for a drive, though. Whenever that service light is on, the ESC system isn't working, so you're more likely to slip and slide than usual. If you don't drive more slowly and corner more carefully, especially in slippery conditions, you will likely slide and could get into an accident. When you notice this error message, you should bring your vehicle to a local garage to have the problem evaluated and repaired. Until you can do that, drive carefully and stay safe.

Can I Drive with the Electronic Stability Control Light On?

While you can drive with the electronic stability control light on, you should know that you're putting yourself at risk whenever you do so. Your vehicle can be operated safely without the electronic stability control system, but it will be easier to lose control without help from the system. The ESC, meaning in a car, is a special system to help you maintain control, and without the system, you will slip on wet roads, lose control more easily on sharp turns and struggle to drive safely if you handle your car like you normally do.

If you know there is an issue with the ESC system; you should take caution when driving to keep yourself out of trouble. This means driving slower than usual, giving yourself more distance between other vehicles, taking corners more carefully, and braking gently. If you do all of these things and you avoid driving on snowy or slippery roads, you can probably drive safely without the stability system until you are able to repair the issue. You should try and work with a mechanic to have the problem resolved as soon as possible, though, because each time you drive without the extra stability systems operating, you are more unsafe than you would be.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair an ESC Code Issue?

It's impossible to say exactly how much money it will take you to repair your ESC system. That's because there are many different sensors as well as substantial wiring connected to the system. Any of these different components could be the reason the system isn't behaving properly. You need a mechanic that can properly troubleshoot your problem to resolve it effectively. The usual cost is between $100 and $200 to replace a sensor related to the system, but you may spend more than that if a significant amount of troubleshooting is required or if your vehicle has a wiring issue.

Electronic stability controls are a powerful set of safety features that come on nearly every new vehicle sold today. Many older vehicles don't come with these features, so you should choose the next vehicle you purchase carefully to ensure it has the safety features you value most. Always look at the specifications for a vehicle before making a purchase, and examine the vehicle closely to determine whether it's functional or it requires substantial repairs. Get to know any vehicle you are considering purchasing by reviewing a vehicle history report for accidents, title status, and other serious issues as well. It's up to you to investigate a used vehicle thoroughly before making any purchase. If you aren't thorough during your investigation, you could end up with a car that doesn't perform well for you.

Examine Errors and Safety Features Before Buying a Vehicle

If you get a model older than that, you should look to see if the feature is available anyway. You should get to know all the safety features of a potential used vehicle and also look at any error messages before you make a purchase. Research the safety features any vehicle you consider comes with. Use that data to help you make your purchase decision. Also, look at a car history report to learn more about the vehicle before making the purchase.

The ESC system is one of the best advancements for modern vehicles today and keeps drivers safer in poor driving conditions. If you're used to operating vehicles without an ESC system, you'll be impressed by how much better your traction and control is in poor conditions, and if you go from having an ESC system to not, you may feel like your vehicle is more difficult to handle and less reliable.