How does ESC work?

Skidding is one of the main causes of road crashes. International studies show that at least 40 percent of all fatal traffic crashes are caused by skidding. ESC can prevent up to 80 percent of all skidding crashes. ESC recognizes if skidding is likely and quickly intervenes. The driver stays in control of the vehicle and does not get into a skid provided that the physical limits are not exceeded.

ESC is always enabled. A microcomputer monitors the signals from the ESC sensors and checks 25 times a second, whether the driver's steering input corresponds to the actual direction in which the vehicle is moving. If the vehicle moves in a different direction ESC detects the critical situation and reacts immediately – independent of the driver. It uses the vehicle's braking system to stabilize the vehicle. With these selective braking interventions ESC generates the desired counteracting force, so that the car reacts as the driver intends. ESC not only initiates braking intervention, but can also reduce engine torque to slow the vehicle. So, within the limits of physics, the car is kept safely on the desired path.

ESC substantially reduces the demands placed on the driver. ABS, Traction Control and ESC were all introduced to the market by Bosch.