This is why you need ESP

[Foxhound5366]

In Europe, ESP is mandatory on all new cars ... even the smallest hatchbacks.

This video shows why. NB: Click here to jump to main part of the video.

[video=youtube;YuUBeJSYg4o]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuUBeJSYg4o&feature=youtu.be&t=223[/video]

Makes you think, doesn't it?

So much for the 'Oh, smaller cars don't need traction control because they just don't have enough power' argument.

Ref: For people who don't know, different motor manufacturers call ESP - an Electronic Stability Programme - different things. Another popular term is VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). It's basically a braking technology that will determine when your car has lost grip, and brake individual wheels as necessary until your car is heading back in the direction you intended (this all happens in split seconds - you most often won't know how close you came to disaster).

 

[jansdejager]

In the doghouse tonight mate? Lay off the espresso

Personally think everybody should lose control of a car once in a while because your more likely to crash if you panic.

 

[Foxhound5366]

Nah Jans, just on leave this week so I'm mixing things up a bit

As for losing control, I'd never hope for that to happen to anybody outside of a racetrack. It doesn't matter how awesome a driver you think you are - there is a very real point at which your reflexes will never match automatic computer responses built into smart systems like ESP, and modulating individual tyres is a LOT better at restoring control than pumping away at the brake pedal and steering (all a driver can do without ESP).

 

[adinfinitum]

When the schite hits the fan you act instinctively and that means just hitting the brakes and hoping you don't hit the guy in front if you. It happens so fast you don't have time to be reasonable. ABS, EBD, etc are wonderful things when that happens. Thinks for you when you can't.

 

[jansdejager]

it's a great technology which is unfortunately tied up in intellectual property quandaries. much like VW's BlueMotion technology that should be in every car and cost almost nothing. but why would you buy a Lexus if your Micra has traction control?