Traction control

Traction control systems, on current production vehicles, are typically (but not necessarily) electro-hydraulic systems designed to prevent the wheels spinning when excessive throttle is applied by the driver.

The intervention can consist of any, or all, of the following:

1. Retard or suppress the spark to one or more cylinders
2. Reduce fuel supply to one or more cylinders
3. Brake one or more wheels
4. Close the throttle, if the vehicle is fitted with drive by wire throttle.

The brake actuator, and the wheel speed sensors, are the same as that used for Anti-lock braking system.

It is widely thought that TC removes some skill and control from the driver. As such it is unpopular with many motorsports fans. Some motorsports series have given up trying to outlaw traction control, either because the general function is so hard to detect, eg F1, or, as in many USAn stock car series, because it is possible to incorporate an effective traction control device in the wiring loom, invisibly to scrutineers.

External link

• Motorsport officials deny the use of traction control is common
• Motorsport site claiming its use is rife.