Traction control is a feature in many new cars that helps to maintain stability in compromised environments. For instance, if you’re driving in a storm, on ice, or around a bend, traction control will provide you with more control over your vehicle.
Driving in compromised conditions can significantly impact the traction of your tyres, but traction control helps to minimise damage to your car.
Whilst the anti-lock braking system (ABS) light tells you when you’re losing traction, traction control can stop you losing any at all.
In this article, we’ll cover the meaning and appearance of the traction control warning light (TCL) and list its common triggers. We’ll also break down how traction control works. Finally, we’ll explain when traction control is required – and when it’s best to disable this feature.
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What is the traction control warning light?
The appearance of the traction control dashboard warning light varies between car models. However, it is usually depicted as a car with swerving tyre marks trailing behind it, or an icon featuring the letters, ‘TC’.
As the traction control system helps to prevent wheel spin and loss of control on compromised roads, the traction control warning light indicates that your traction control system is not working properly.
Why is my traction control warning light on?
The traction control warning light illuminates when your car’s traction control system is not functioning correctly. It serves to warn you that your tyres may be losing road contact in compromised conditions.
Ordinarily, if one of your tyres slips, your traction control will shift power from the slipping tyre to those that are still gripping the road. Therefore, if you’re driving in slippery conditions, and your traction control warning lights are flickering on and off, this demonstrates that the light is working properly.
However, if you’re driving in good weather, and your traction control light turns on, this is likely due to a fault with your traction control system.
If the traction control warning light blinks on and off sporadically with no apparent cause, this could indicate that the system is ‘hard coded’, or that your traction system is about to deteriorate. Your traction control warning light may have been triggered for a variety of reasons in this case:
- You may have faulty wheel speed sensors.
- There may be an issue with the traction control system’s computer.
- Your traction control warning light may also be blinking because your traction control system isn’t working properly.
If your TCL turns on and stays illuminated without flashing, this indicates that the system has deactivated. Therefore, your car won’t be able to sense whether your wheels have lost traction. When this happens, it’s best to avoid slippery driving conditions, as you won’t be able to rely on your traction control.
How does the traction control system work?
Traction control utilises an active sensor, known as a ‘yaw rate sensor’, which is placed close to the car’s centre of gravity – and is usually mounted on the level floorboard. The yaw rate sensor monitors the vehicle’s rotational speed - and what each tyre is doing.
For example, if a tyre is spinning faster than it should be, the vehicle will lose traction, and this can lead to skidding or hydroplaning. So, to remedy this, the traction control system will come into play to slow down your speed. This helps your car regain traction, keeping you safe. Once it starts to work, you may feel a jolt, but don’t be alarmed, this is merely your traction control system doing its job!
The traction control system works with another system in your car - the anti-lock braking system (ABS) . Your ABS prevents your car from skidding differently, in comparison to the traction control system. This is because ABS ensures that your wheels continue to spin when you brake, preventing them from locking.
So, together, the ABS prevents skidding during sharp braking, whereas the TCS is used whilst accelerating to prevent wheel spin and a loss of traction.
When should you use traction control?
Your traction control system is active by default. So, it should be on, even in non-hazardous conditions.
You can turn off traction control, but it is rarely helpful to do so. However, you might want to switch off your TCS whilst navigating a steep incline (particularly if there is loose gravel and stones on the road surface) – or, if you’re trying to get your car out of mud or snow.
Otherwise, your TCS should always be on. In heavy rain, snow, and icy conditions, it serves as a key safety feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally safe to drive with your traction control light on. However, you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
The warning light indicates that your vehicle’s ability to maintain traction is compromised, especially when driving in slippery conditions.
You can reset the traction control system by turning the engine off and then restarting the vehicle.
However, this may not resolve the issue that triggered the light in the first place. If the light persists after restarting the engine, drive to a mechanic for diagnosis and repairs.
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