Many drivers are well aware that the car is a source of danger on the road. Therefore, it is very important that all security systems - both active and passive - are in excellent condition and able to prevent the worst consequences in case of emergency. Active systems, among others, operating directly during the movement of a car, include the dynamic stabilization system - ESP.
What is an ESP, and how does this electronic system help ensure safe machine movement? This is a set of sensors for angular velocity and lateral acceleration (G-sensor), the signals from which are sent to the control unit, and he, in turn, analyzes the data, and in the event of a car skidding, gives the command to slow down and reduce engine thrust. It is associated with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control (traction control), as well as an electronic throttle control system.
When the car falls into a skid, the ESP-system slows down the movement, giving the vehicle the desired direction. Along with this, a sharp decrease in engine speed. If all the wheels begin to slide at once, ESP determines on its own which brakes need to be activated. The system responds to skidding within approximately 20 milliseconds. How does ESP work? Its functionality is not limited by the speed of the car, nor by the mode. Due to the fact that the system is completely based on electronics, its operation is continuous and almost faultless.
The ESP (Electronic Stability Programm) system monitors the behavior of a car with a programmed design movement. As soon as inconsistencies arise, a danger signal is issued and actions are taken to prevent an emergency and to balance the progress of the machine. What ESP is, the world learned back in 1997 when the Mercedes-Benz Class A car was released, although it was developed two years earlier, in 1995.
Experienced drivers are aware of what ESP is and the principle of its operation, therefore they often disable this function on their vehicle. Indeed, in difficult situations arising on the road, it is not always necessary to slow down, sometimes it is necessary to “gaz” to level the progress of the car. And the ESP system does not allow this, acting according to the program laid down by the developers. The driver in this case is not able to withstand electronics.
The ESP system is good for those drivers who do not yet have much driving experience. Beginners in a difficult situation are lost in control, here the system of stabilization of movement comes to the rescue. Some of its recent models are designed to allow slight slippage or slight skidding, but when the situation becomes close to critical, all the capabilities of active traffic safety systems turn on instantly.
What is an ESP? This is one of the active systems that ensure the safe movement of the car. These also include ABS (anti-lock braking system ), AFS (manual control) and others. In the complex, all systems operate constantly during movement, and therefore are called active. They control the movement of the car on the road and respond to any changes in the sensors.
There is also passive vehicle protection. It includes seat belts and airbags, head restraints, it can also be a folding steering column, safety glass, soft or wrinkled front panel and other means. Passive protection system will work only at the time of the accident. Its purpose is to reduce the negative impact of unforeseen consequences.
But the most basic protection of a car against accidents is driving in accordance with the rules of the road. Compliance with the speed limit, refusal to drive while intoxicated or tired and drowsy will save not only the car from accidents, but also the life of the driver and passengers.