What is Traction Control?

Close-up of a Hyundai vehicle's interior, showing traction control and other driving assist buttons near the steering wheel.

When attempting a spirited start at traffic lights, traction control proves to be a real brake on fun – but improves the vehicle's handling in wet, snowy and icy conditions. In conjunction with other driver assistance systems, traction control prevents the wheels from spinning when starting off on wet and/or slippery surfaces.

But how do traction control systems work in a car? Here, you can find out what traction control is, what terms are still commonly used, how it works and when to turn off traction control.

A group of Hyundai i20 N cars in Performance Blue driving in formation on a racetrack, surrounded by lush greenery.

What does traction control do?

Traction control prevents the wheels from spinning when starting off. It, therefore, counteracts wheel slip. Slippage is normal when starting off or braking, as the forces between the road surface and tyres are transmitted via static friction. This power transmission is influenced by the tyre material, the road surface and the weather conditions. On wet cobblestones or grit, the drive wheels are more likely to spin than on dry tarmac. The traction control system supports starting and braking in driving situations in which static friction is lower.

There are almost as many names for driving assistance systems in the area of traction control as there are car brands: In addition to "traction control" or "traction control system" (TCS), vehicle manufacturers use terms such as "active/automatic traction control", "traction control system" or "dynamic traction control", among others. In its sporty N models, Hyundai uses the electronically controlled limited slip differential (e-LSD) to regulate traction. It ensures optimum traction in all road conditions and supports dynamic cornering.

Traction control: Brake intervention and/or engine control

Traction control systems intervene in the braking system and/or the engine management system to regulate traction slip. Similar to the anti-lock braking system (ABS), drive wheels are braked individually by means of brake intervention. This reduces the torque on the locking wheel, while the other wheel receives more torque. Traction control via the engine management system reduces traction slip by reducing the engine torque. This is done via the electronic engine control unit, which regulates the throttle valve or fuel injection accordingly.

Newer vehicles are equipped with a vehicle dynamics control system – also known as electronic stability control (ESC) or electronic stability programme (ESP). It stabilises the vehicle's behaviour in critical driving situations and combines interventions from assistance systems such as the anti-lock braking system, traction control, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. The electronic stability programme has been mandatory for newly registered cars in the EU since 2014.

Four Hyundai i20 N cars navigating a turn on a racetrack, with an empty grandstand in the background.

Traction control for high-performance cars

Sophisticated traction control systems are also used in high-performance models to ensure that all wheels have sufficient grip and that the vehicle remains controllable even in demanding track driving conditions. Hyundai uses the electronically controlled limited slip differential e-LSD in the high-performance N models.

Thierry Neuville, driver at Hyundai Motorsports, praised the work of the engineers during the development phase of the Hyundai i30 N. For him, the high-performance model already felt like a racing car at times. He was particularly impressed by the good traction and stability in slippery road conditions, which enable excellent vehicle handling. Thanks to e-LSD, you can drive with optimum performance when track driving and increase the speed when cornering.

How the e-LSD works on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

With the e-LSD specially calibrated for the all-electric IONIQ 5 N, the electronic control unit monitors the input from the wheel sensors and recognises exactly when a particular wheel requires additional torque in order to optimise the vehicle's handling.

As a result, the e-LSD improves handling when cornering and at high speeds on the racetrack. It also ensures good traction in difficult driving conditions such as ice, wet and snow. Compared to a conventional limited slip differential, the e-LSD enables greater precision and therefore gives you greater control over the car.

Two Hyundai i20 N cars navigating a sharp turn on a racetrack, knocking over cones, with an empty grandstand in the background.

When to turn off traction control

Many drivers wonder, “do I want traction control on or off in different conditions?”. In certain cases, it is advisable to switch off the traction control, for example when you are travelling with snow chains or when driving through deep snow. But there are innovative exceptions here, too: The e-LSD of the Hyundai KONA N, for example, offers a mode that allows you to easily cope with deep snow when traction control is activated.

Does turning off traction control improve performance?

For regular road driving, keeping traction control on provides the safest driving experience. However, there are specific scenarios where turning it off can be beneficial – for example, if you need to rock the car out of deep snow or mud.

Does turning off traction control make the car faster?

While turning off traction control may seem like it would improve acceleration, it generally doesn't make your car faster. In fact, modern traction control systems are designed to help you achieve optimal acceleration by preventing wheel spin. However, if you're asking if you can drift with traction control, the answer is no – drifting requires traction control to be disabled.

A Hyundai IONIQ 5 N drifts through a wet course, splashing water while navigating between cones during a driving event.

What is the impact of traction control?

Traction control increases driving stability by preventing spinning or locked tyres – and thus also preventing the vehicle from skidding. This allows you to maintain control of your vehicle even in difficult situations or unfavourable road conditions.

Does traction control affect acceleration?

Traction control can temporarily reduce acceleration by intervening if you accelerate too hard in wet, snowy or gritty conditions. In such cases, the traction control temporarily reduces the torque to prevent the wheels from spinning. However, innovative systems such as the e-LSD of the Hyundai N models ensure that you can utilise the full power of the vehicle with greater driving stability.

Does traction control affect brakes?

Traction control, which works primarily via brake intervention, can cause the brakes to overheat. This can happen, for example, if you are travelling in sandy or muddy terrain with a four-wheel drive vehicle. The brakes can become hot as a result, even if you, as the driver, do not apply the brakes.

Four Hyundai i20 N cars driving in formation on a racetrack, with an empty grandstand and a clear sky in the background.

Does traction control limit power?

Yes, traction control can limit power when it detects wheel spin. However, this power limitation is designed to help maintain vehicle control and optimise acceleration in challenging conditions.

Does traction control use more fuel?

The impact of traction control on fuel consumption is minimal. While the system may slightly increase fuel usage during interventions, the effect is negligible during normal driving conditions.

A convoy of Hyundai i20 N cars navigating a turn on a racetrack, surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

More fun and control with HDX

Traction control is good, but skill at the wheel is better. Would you like to experience the Hyundai i30 N for yourself on the racetrack – and master your vehicle with confidence even in demanding situations? As part of the Track Experience, HDX instructors will teach you on famous racetracks. In addition to lots of driving fun, there is a clear goal on the programme: to control your vehicle even better in the future.

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