Winter that kills critical car safety systems: when should you worry?
When heavy snow falls in winter, many drivers change their driving habits because they have to start thinking about safety. Controlling a car on slippery roads can be difficult, but various safety systems help address this. LLLParts experts say that these systems are vital during winter, when snow falls or ice forms. However, there are cases when they start to malfunction during the cold season. So, what are they, and what are the signs that system failures may require parts replacement?
Stability on the road is a guarantee of safety
It is no secret that snow and ice are the main causes of loss of car control. Sometimes control can be lost even at very low speeds, which can be dangerous. As mentioned earlier, modern cars have integrated systems that help avoid such situations. One such system is ESC, which, upon sensing uncontrolled sideslip, begins to brake the wheels in the appropriate sequence to straighten the car. Perhaps the most important part of this system is the ABS unit and the wheel-speed sensors on each wheel. These sensors constantly monitor each wheel’s rotation speed and, as soon as they detect that the car is slipping, instantly send a signal to the central engine computer and, together with the steering angle sensor, begin braking the wheels to straighten the car.
During heavy winter snowfall, these sensors located in the wheels often become covered, preventing them from functioning properly. LLLParts experts note that after driving through snow, the car’s ESC system may stop working; once the snow melts from the wheels, the system works perfectly again. This is often not a malfunction, but rather a consequence of the snow-covered sensors.
The wheel spins when the car is skidding
As LLLParts specialists say, not only is ESC important, but also the TCS system. Although many drivers confuse them, thinking they are the same system, they are slightly different. Unlike the ESC system, TCS technology is designed to limit engine power when the wheels are spinning in place. This system is especially important for rear-wheel-drive cars, which are more prone to losing control in turns. True, it is worth noting that both systems work thanks to the aforementioned ABS unit and the speed sensors on each wheel. For this reason, they are constantly exposed to various factors, such as road salt. This is what causes corrosion, which can damage the sensors and cause the system to stop working. Such a malfunction is already being replaced, as are most other car parts malfunctions. That is, by replacing them with new ones.
So, if the car’s computer starts showing errors and the car becomes uncontrollable on a slippery road, it is likely that the sensors have failed, either due to corrosion or for other reasons. However, operating a car with a malfunctioning stability system is extremely dangerous, especially in winter. Drivers who notice a malfunction in the system should immediately contact service and have the problem fixed by replacing the part.
