FAQs about intelligent stability
and handling systems

How do intelligent stability and handling systems work? Not all intelligent stability and handling systems are exactly the same. Most operate under a basic principle of monitoring and comparing your vehicle's movement with the direction you are steering. That is, if you're steering one way but your vehicle is about to head another, such as during a skid, the systems automatically brake specific wheels, allowing you to maintain steering control and continue in your intended direction.

I'm a good driver, why do I need this? In emergency driving conditions - whether related to surface, speed or weather - even the best drivers can find themselves in understeer or oversteer situations.

Understeer occurs when front wheels lose traction, which can cause you to "miss" a curve. Oversteer occurs when rear wheels lose traction causing the back of the vehicle to "spin out."

Intelligent stability and handling systems intervene to correct for oversteer and understeer by automatically braking specific wheels, a function even the best drivers cannot perform.

What do I have to do to use the system? Intelligent stability and handling systems do not need to be activated by the driver. When sensors detect that loss of control is imminent, the system automatically engages to help you maintain control of your vehicle.

Can I drive more aggressively with intelligent stability and handling systems? No. Aggressive driving is neither appropriate nor safe with any vehicle. Intelligent stability and handling systems will not allow drivers to defeat the laws of physics.

How do I know the system is working? This depends on the type of intelligent stability and handling system you have on your vehicle. Various vehicles have different signals, such as a lit dashboard icon or mechanical sounds to indicate the intelligent stability and handling system has been automatically engaged.

How do I know if my vehicle has an intelligent stability and handling system? If you're buying a new vehicle, look for one of the intelligent stability and handling system brand names on the window sticker and ask the dealer representative for a breakout of the safety and performance packages. If you're borrowing or renting a vehicle, ask the owner or rental agent. It's also a good idea to check your owner's manual to better understand your vehicle's safety features.

Since intelligent stability and handling systems are relatively new to the market, you might not know if your current vehicle has such a system. If you drive a newer vehicle that you think might have such a system, call your dealership. Your purchase record should have this information. Make sure you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) so the dealer can look up your record.

When are intelligent stability and handling systems helpful? Intelligent stability and handling systems are helpful when loss of vehicle control is imminent. Generally, we associate rain or snow - bad weather - with skids or losing control. However, various road surfaces and conditions (such as gravel or potholes and roads with sharp curves), driving too fast or avoiding road obstacles can also create hazardous or emergency driving conditions.

Are these systems the same as traction control? No. Traction control works to prevent unwanted wheel spin in low-traction situations such as snow or rain by adjusting vehicle acceleration. Intelligent stability and handling systems actually detect when loss of control is imminent and automatically brake individual wheels to help the driver maintain control. If you're driving a vehicle with an intelligent stability and handling system, the vehicle will also have traction control.

Are these systems the same as anti-lock brake systems (ABS)? No. ABS works to prevent wheel-lock. To engage ABS, a driver must firmly step on the brake and hold the pedal in place while the system applies the brakes rapidly - more rapidly than a driver "pumping" ever could.

Intelligent stability and handling systems actually detect when loss of control is imminent and automatically brake individual wheels to help the driver maintain control. It does not have to be engaged by the driver. If you're driving a vehicle with an intelligent stability and handling system, the vehicle will also have ABS.

What is the difference between an antilock brake system and other technology such as traction control or the new intelligent stability and handling systems? Click here to view a Comparative Analysis of Automotive Braking Safety Technologies