Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) is an active safety system that helps the driver keep the vehicle on the intended path when it starts to understeer or oversteer. It compares steering input with the vehicle’s actual motion using signals such as wheel speed, steering angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration.
What it does
When ESC detects a significant difference between the intended and actual direction, it can brake individual wheels and request a reduction in drive torque. These selective interventions create a correcting yaw moment that helps stabilize the vehicle. The system normally acts only during loss-of-control situations and may be felt as brief braking or reduced acceleration.
ESC cannot overcome the grip available from the tires or compensate for excessive speed. Snow, ice, worn tires, and abrupt inputs can still cause a crash. It is a stability aid, not an automated-driving feature, and the driver remains responsible for speed and steering.
For components, control logic, and related functions, see electronic stability control technology.