That illuminated symbol on your dashboard showing a skidding car might have caught your attention. Before you worry, let’s talk about what the traction control warning light means and whether you need to act.
The traction control warning light can turn on during your drive, but it’s not always cause for concern.
In most cases, your Traction Control System (TCS) should remain active, even in good weather and road conditions. This important safety feature enhances protection for you and your passengers, regardless of driving conditions.
Traction Control System: Your Invisible Safety Net
What is the Traction Control System in a car?
The Traction Control System (TCS) is an electronic system that detects when your car’s wheels lose traction with the road surface. This typically happens when driving on wet, icy, or slippery roads, during rapid acceleration, or when taking corners too quickly.
Traction control has become a standard feature in most modern cars because it significantly improves safety by preventing wheels from spinning uncontrollably when they lose grip.
This technology works alongside your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to help maintain stability and control in challenging conditions.
What does the Traction Control System do?
When your Traction Control System detects a wheel or wheels losing grip, it automatically takes corrective action in one of two ways. It either applies the brakes to the slipping wheels, redirecting power to those with traction or temporarily reduces engine power to prevent wheel spin.
These interventions happen in milliseconds, often faster than even the most skilled driver could react, helping you maintain control and preventing potential skids or slides. The system works continuously and automatically, monitoring wheel speeds and adjusting as needed.
Understanding Your Traction Control Warning Light
What does the traction control light look like?
The traction control system warning light typically appears as a yellow symbol showing a car with skid marks underneath. It may be accompanied by the letters “TC” or “ESC”, which stands for Electronic Stability Control.
Most cars also have a traction control button, located on the dashboard or centre console, allowing you to turn the system on or off manually.
Should traction control be on or off?
Traction control should remain on for everyday driving. This setting provides the best safety margin by preventing wheel spin and helping maintain control, particularly in slippery conditions.
There are only a few specific situations where turning traction control off might be beneficial:
When stuck in deep snow, mud, or sand: Allowing some wheel spin can help you “dig out” and regain momentum.
When using snow chains: The irregular movement may confuse the traction control sensors.
During performance driving on a closed track: This is not recommended for public roads.
For normal driving, keeping traction control on is the safest choice. It is there to help, not hinder your driving experience.
Why is my traction control light staying on?
The behaviour of your traction control light can tell you a lot about what’s happening with the system:
Flashing light: It is a good sign if your traction control warning light flashes while driving in slippery conditions. It indicates the system works correctly, detecting wheel slip and actively intervening to help maintain control.
Continuously illuminated light: If the light remains on continuously, especially in good weather and road conditions, this could indicate a fault with the Traction Control System that requires attention.
Common causes of a persistent traction control warning light include:
Dirty or faulty wheel speed sensors: These sensors monitor the rotation speed of each wheel. When they become dirty or fail, they can’t accurately detect wheel slip, preventing the system from working properly.
ABS issues: Since traction control often works with your Anti-lock Braking System, a fault in one system can affect the other. Problems with the ABS pump, control module, or related components can trigger the TCS light.
Steering angle sensor problems: Modern Traction Control Systems also use input from steering sensors to predict and prevent skids. A malfunctioning steering angle sensor can cause the system to deactivate.
A continuously lit traction control warning light shouldn’t be ignored, because it indicates that this important safety feature isn’t functioning correctly. This could affect your vehicle’s stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
How to Turn Traction Control On or Off
If you need to check or change your traction control settings:
- Locate the button: It features a car with a skid mark symbol and is often labelled “TCS,” “ESC,” or “VSC,” depending on your vehicle’s make.
- Press to toggle: A short press usually turns the system off, and a warning light appears on your dashboard to indicate that it’s disabled.
- Press again to reactivate: Another press turns the system back on, and the warning light should go off.
- Automatic reactivation: In most vehicles, traction control turns back on automatically when you restart the engine, even if you previously turned it off.
If your traction control light remains on after you attempt to reset it or if there’s no change when you press the button, this suggests a system fault rather than a settings issue.
Is It Safe to Drive with the Traction Control Light On?
If your traction control light stays on continuously:
- You can still drive the vehicle but with caution.
- Your Traction Control System is not functioning.
- Your vehicle may be more prone to skidding in slippery conditions.
- The ABS might also be affected, potentially increasing stopping distances.
We recommend having your vehicle checked as soon as possible for maximum safety, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Drive Safe and Stay in Control
Traction control is an invaluable safety feature that monitors and manages wheel traction to help prevent skids and loss of control.
An occasional warning light during slippery conditions indicates normal operation. On the other hand, a continuous warning light could signal a problem affecting your vehicle’s traction and safety.
If you’re concerned about your Traction Control System or have a persistent warning light, don’t hesitate to contact our Service team on 01405 801801.
Our trained technicians can diagnose and resolve any issues to ensure your vehicle remains safe.
If you would like to know about other warning lights, read our guide to Dashboard Warning Lights Explained.