The traction control system is a set of mechanisms and electronic components of a car that are designed to prevent slippage of the drive wheels. The TCS system (Traction Control System, traction control system) is the trade name for the traction control system that is installed on Honda cars. Similar systems are installed on cars of other brands, but they have different trade names: traction control system TRC (Toyota), ASR traction control (Audi, Mercedes, Volkswagen), ETC ( range rover) and others.
Activated TCS prevents the vehicle's drive wheels from slipping when starting off, sharp acceleration, cornering, bad road conditions and rapid restructuring. Consider the principle of operation of TCS, its components and general device, as well as the pros and cons of its operation.
How TCS works
The principle of operation of the traction control systemThe general principle of operation of the Traction Control System is quite simple: the sensors that make up the system record the position of the wheels, their angular velocity and degree of slippage. As soon as one of the wheels begins to spin, TCS instantly eliminates the loss of traction with the road surface.
The traction control system copes with slippage in the following ways:
- Braking of slipping wheels. The brake system is activated at low speeds - up to 80 km / h.
- Reducing the torque of the car engine. At speeds above 80 km/h, the engine management system is activated, which changes the amount of torque.
- A combination of the first two methods.
Note that the Traction Control System is installed on cars with anti-lock braking system (ABS - Antilock Brake System). Both systems use the readings of the same sensors in their work, both systems aim to provide the wheels with maximum grip on the ground. The main difference is that ABS limits the braking of the wheels, while TCS, on the contrary, slows down a rapidly spinning wheel.
Device and main components
Diagram of the ABS+TCS system Traction Control System is based on elements of the anti-lock braking system. The wheel slip prevention system uses an electronic differential lock as well as an engine torque control system. The main components necessary to implement the functions of the TCS traction control system:
- Feed pump brake fluid. This component creates pressure in the brake system of the car.
- switching solenoid valve and solenoid valve high pressure. Each driving wheel equipped with these valves. These components control braking within a given circuit. Both valves are part of the ABS hydraulic block.
- ABS/TCS control unit. Controls the traction control system using the built-in software.
- The engine control unit. Interacts with the ABS/TCS control unit. The traction control system connects it to work if the speed of the car is more than 80 km / h. The engine management system receives data from sensors and sends control signals executive mechanisms.
- Wheel speed sensors. Each wheel of the machine is equipped with this sensor. The sensors register the speed of rotation, and then transmit signals to the ABS / TCS control unit.
TCS enable/disable button Note that the driver can turn off the traction control system. Usually on dashboard there is a "TCS" button that turns the system on/off. Disabling TCS is accompanied by the illumination of the "TCS Off" indicator on the instrument panel. If there is no such button, then the traction control system can be turned off by pulling out the appropriate fuse. However, this is not recommended.
Advantages and disadvantages
Main advantages of Traction Control System:
- confident start of the car from a place on any pavement;
- vehicle stability when cornering;
- traffic safety in various weather conditions (ice, wet canvas, snow);
- reduced tire wear.
Note that in some driving modes, the traction control system reduces engine performance, and also does not allow you to fully control the behavior of the car on the road.
Application
The TCS traction control system is installed on cars Japanese brand Honda. Similar systems are installed on cars of other automakers, and the difference trade names is explained by the fact that each automaker, independently of the others, developed an anti-slip system for its own needs.
The widespread use of this system has made it possible to significantly increase the level of vehicle safety when driving due to continuous control of adhesion to the road surface and improved handling when accelerating.
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Electronic owner's manual in the car
Instrument and controls (6)
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On-board computer - explanatory information
The vehicle's on-board computer can record, process and present information while driving. Here is information that explains the operation of some functions.
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Rear view mirrors - exterior
The outside rearview mirrors are adjusted using the adjustment lever in the driver's door controls.
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Cleaners and washers
The wiper and washer clean the windshield and rear glass. The headlights are cleaned by high pressure washing.
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Front seats - electrically operated
The vehicle's front seats are adjustable to provide optimum comfort. Seats with electric drive can move forward/backward and up/down. The front edge of the seat cushion can be raised and lowered. The seatback tilt can be changed.
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Light regulators
The dimmer switch allows you to turn on and adjust outdoor lighting. It is also used to adjust the backlight of the display, instrument panel and interior lighting.
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Backseat
Back rear seat and the outer head restraints can be folded. The headrest of the middle seat can be adjusted depending on the height of the passenger.
Climate (1)
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Deicing and deicing the windshield
Windshield electrically heated* and max. heating is used to quickly remove fogging and icing from the windshield and side windows.
Locks and alarms (1)
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PCC* - unique features
Compared to remote key without PCC remote key with PCC has an extended set of functions connected to the information button and indicator lamps.
Starting the engine and driving (3)
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Parking brake
Parking brake holds the vehicle in place when the driver's seat is empty by mechanically locking/locking two wheels.
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Engine start
Engine starts and stops with key remote control and START/STOP ENGINE buttons.
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Engine shutdown
The engine is switched off by the START/STOP ENGINE button.
Sound and media (5)
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Bluetooth® - hands-free mode
Mobile phone with Bluetooth®, you can connect to your car wirelessly.
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Registering a Bluetooth® module
Two can be connected at the same time bluetooth module®: You can switch between one phone and one media device. You can also make calls from your phone while streaming audio files. You can connect your car to the Internet using your mobile phone's Internet connection.
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Sound and media - system management
The audio / media system is controlled from the center console and partly using the buttons on the steering wheel, voice commands or with remote control*. Information is displayed on the screen at the top of the center console.
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External audio source via AUX-/USB port*
You can connect to an audio system external source sound, such as an iPod® or mp3 player
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Radio
You can listen to broadcasts in the radio frequency bands of the AMV60 plug-in hybrid and FM and in some cases also digital radio (DAB)*. In a car with an internet connection, you can listen to web radio, Apps.
Cars are increasingly equipped with all sorts of systems that simplify driving and increase safety. The first such system was an anti-lock braking system, which prevents the wheels from completely stopping during braking, which eliminated the possibility of the car slipping into the skid and significantly increased the efficiency of the braking system.
In addition, (ABS) has become the basis for the creation of other auxiliary systems. The ABS has significantly expanded its functionality and each of additional features got its name.
Traction control system (TCS) and its designation
TCS designation on car dashboard
One of the additions to ABS was a system that prevents wheel slip. At the same time, it is almost completely built on the basis of ABS and uses for this a number of its structural elements, namely the wheel speed control sensors and the system control unit.
But if anti-lock system on all cars has the same name - then they acted differently with anti-slip control - many automakers began to call it in their own way, although these names are based on the concept of "control tractive effort". One of the names of this system is abbreviated as TCS - Traction Control System. This abbreviation is used by Honda. Other anti-skid systems are referred to as:
- ASP is one of the most common system designations used concern VAG for their cars, as well as Mercedes-Benz;
- ASC and DTC - used by the Bavarians on their BMWs;
- ETS - used on Range Rover;
- TRC - installed on Toyota.
And this is not all the designation of the traction control system. It is noteworthy that she has many names, but they all function on almost the same principle, and also use the same mechanisms.
How TCS works
The main purpose of this TCS is to prevent loss of traction on the drive wheels by hydraulically and electronic systems car, which control the operation of the brake system, power plant and make adjustments to their work. Moreover, the system exerts its influence on the functioning of the brakes and the motor in different ways.
As for the brake system, TCS - complete opposite ABS. If the anti-lock braking system controls the rotation of the wheels and, when it detects that one of them has slowed down significantly, reduces the pressure on the brake mechanism of this wheel, and it begins to rotate more freely, then with the traction control system, the opposite is true.
The same sensors monitor the speed of rotation of the wheels, and if one of them accelerates sharply, the system perceives this as a loss of traction, and to eliminate this, it applies to brake mechanism pressure on this wheel, which leads to the fact that the rotation slows down, that is, the wheel is forced to slow down without the participation of the driver.
But TCS affects not only the brakes, but also the motor. The essence of the work is the same - the sensors detect that one of the wheels has accelerated sharply and transmit signals to the block ABS control. That, in turn, sends information to the ECU, which takes action - “crushes” the engine. That is, it affects the motor systems, which leads to a decrease in traction.
More advanced traction control systems, in addition to the engine and brakes, also affect the transmission differential. Traction control systems of different design can affect both one of the auto systems and all of the above, and use one or another part only under certain conditions.
How the TSC system works
Video: ESP car stabilization system. How does ESP work in winter?
But this general principle work of TCS, in fact, everything is somewhat more complicated. As part of the braking system, TCS uses ABS mechanisms - it uses its sensors to control the speed of rotation of the wheels, as well as a control unit that analyzes and compares the readings of these sensors with different wheels. First of all, the speed of rotation of the driving wheels is compared with the driven ones, and then between themselves. But this takes into account the position and angle of their rotation.
If the ABS is only a system for controlling and distributing the force that the driver creates by pressing the brake pedal, then TCS works in automatic mode, independently creating a force on the necessary brake mechanism. At the same time, valves are also activated, which ensure that pressure is maintained until the moment when the clutch on the slipping wheel is restored (it slows down), after which the pressure is released.
As regards the impact on power plant, then here, too, not everything is simple. TSC affects the motor in different ways, given different road conditions. At startup, the system often affects throttle assembly, and no matter how the driver presses the accelerator, the motor will slow down until the rotation speed on the wheels is restored.
But on high speeds(above 80 km / h), everything is done differently - it is possible to change the ignition timing, force the creation of gaps on the spark plugs, or temporarily turn off the nozzles. Here everything depends on constructive solution, which was used by the designers to organize the operation of the TSC.
On auto, the operation of the system looks like this: the wheel when it hits slippery area road, starts to rotate faster than all the others. This notices the sensor and sends the information to the ABS control unit. Based on this information, he first of all activates the brake mechanism to slow down the wheel. If it was not possible to quickly restore the rotation speed, information about this is sent to the computer, which takes measures from the driving conditions - or forcibly closes throttle valve, or affects the ignition and power system. At the same time, on dashboard lights up control lamp indicating that the system is running.
It is noteworthy that TCS can be turned off, for which there is a special key on the dashboard. But automakers do not recommend doing this, especially for novice drivers. But on the other hand, this system can interfere, for example, when overcoming off-road, since the system will “choke” the motor.
System advantages
Video: How ESP, ABS, ASR works
In general, the TSC traction control system is quite useful. Its advantages include:
- increased safety at the start and when cornering;
- the possibility of leaving the car in is excluded;
- traffic safety in different road conditions ( wet road, ice, snow);
- increase in motor resource;
- less tire wear;
- reduced motor consumption.
But at the same time, many drivers do not like this system and do not use it, because it greatly affects the performance of the motor and does not give the feeling of complete control over the behavior of the car.
He will talk about what the ABS, ESP and TSC systems are like, what is the difference between them and what is the principle of their operation.
Introduce modern foreign car without auxiliary system braking or air conditioning is simply impossible, often this is no longer a luxury, but a necessary component of the configuration.
Accidental obstruction or accidental depressing of the brake pedal or skidding of the vehicle can result in loss of control and death. This has happened to every driver.
What is ABS, TSC and ESP
The first systems that allowed the driver to level the car and keep the course of movement began to be installed twenty years ago. ABS or more, are not installed on cars now, as newer ones have come in their place, but still, they were the beginning of systems exchange rate stability.
ABS consists of three main components:
- Sensors for reading wheel speed;
- A device for changing the pressure in the brakes, for each wheel separately;
- Process control block.
Not unimportant system is considered to be TSC, better known as ASC or ASR. Allows you to start from a place without slipping the drive wheels, it is very convenient to use when starting on snow or ice-covered tracks. The system is based on the same sensors, only the control module has been finalized, the wheel recognition function has been added to it. Thus, if during the start the drive wheels rotate faster than the driven ones, then the control system perceives this as wheel slip. The control unit will reduce the engine speed, no matter how hard you press on the gas pedal, and the car gently moves from its place.
Newer and modernized system ESP ("Stability Program"), can not only control the brake system, but also the engine. On SUVs, it was endowed with the ability to lock the differential. In cars brand bmw it's x-Drive and on Mercedes it's 4-Matic. In addition to the standard sensors that were used in the ABS, they added side sensors, steering wheel sensors, skidding and others, which make it clear to the system what is happening with the car while driving. Thus, when the system is turned off, all data is transmitted to the monitor on-board computer, and let the driver know the situation on the road, the temperature outside the car and the condition of the road. This greatly facilitates driving and gives confidence in the car, even without the system, you can make a decision in a given situation to maneuver.
Consider the situation when a car enters a turn and starts to skid to the side, turning the steering wheel in the direction of the skid, the driver will exit the turn, and the ABS will slow down as it should be. But still, the final decision will remain with the driver, reduce the gas or slow down. In the presence of ESP systems, the situation will be quite different. First, it will reduce the fuel supply in order to reduce the engine speed and power, because of this, the speed will also decrease. Further, the system itself will determine which of the wheels should be slowed down more, and which should not be touched at all, with the help of steering sensors it will tell you in which direction it is worth turning the steering wheel to return to the previous driving trajectory.
Experienced drivers say that you should not play with these systems, that is, press the brake pedal often and in a row, then the system will perceive this as emergency and will start to work unnecessarily.
Video on how the ABS system works:
