Traction control braking system is an electronic system that regulates the rotary speed of the wheel and prevents drive wheels from losing traction or grip when accelerating. The system main control during acceleration compares the drive wheel's speed to the car's road speed. If there is a loss of traction or grip, it slows the drive wheels to regain the lost speed.
Early vs Electronic Traction Control
Powerful and strong Indian cars manufactured in the sixties had a primitive form of traction control system known as Positraction. The system was used to mechanically transfer power to the rear wheel to reduce wheel spin and increase traction. The device is still used in many vehicles but it fails to prevent complete wheel spin. Due to this an advanced and sophisticated system was introduced known as the Electronic Traction Control.
Electronic traction control braking is the latest advancement in
car safety technologies to enhance car safety and stability on roads. In most of the
new cars and vehicles, the advanced traction control system utilizes wheel sensors to determine the speed differences of each wheel in accordance to the car speed. If one wheel is determined to spin faster than other wheels or faster than the speed of the car, the system immediately apply brakes to the faster spinning wheel and helps control wheel slip.
How Traction Control Brake Works
The traction control braking system (TCB) is a complete electronic unit with a rubber diaphragm that separates the system into two chambers, top and bottom. The top chamber comprises of air that is sealed in the compartment and the bottom chamber comprises of the brake fluid.
When the driver releases pressure on the brake pads, the traction control system provides compressibility or flexibility to the brake system without allowing the mixture of air and brake fluid. This compressibility or flexibility to the brake system enables the brake pads to float over the high and lows spots on the rotors. This floating action of the brake pads eventually prevents premature wheel lock-up.
Where to Install Traction Control Brake
It is always advisable to install the traction control braking unit on the front. Major portion of the driver and cars weight falls on the front end when applying brakes. The driver will enjoy the maximum traction control.
Some manufacturers even install traction control unit on the back. Even though less weight is carried by the rear wheel, having a TCB unit on the back wheel helps to avoid premature wheel lock. This makes it easier and safer for the driver to use both front and back brakes.
Benefits of Traction Control Braking
There are many benefits of traction control braking system. Some of the most important benefits are listed below:
TCB helps to prevent premature wheel lock-up.
Enhances the amount of wheel slip during aggressive braking.
Enables the driver to maintain steering and directional control.
Reduces the stopping distances.
Enhances stability on slippery roads.
Gives confidence to fully utilize both front and back brakes.
Failure of Traction Control Brakes
The functional part of traction control brakes (TCB) is the rubber diaphragm that separates the air chamber and the brake fluid chamber. This diaphragm is composed of the best existing polymer because it helps to modulate the brakes. If in case the diaphragm fails, the TCB unit will completely fail and the braking will be restricted using the regular brakes.
The TCB is the strongest part of the braking system and is designed to withstand more than 4500 psi. Loss of brake pressure beyond 4500 psi will rupture the TCB unit
