Technical ESP

[pugwash]

Can anyone tell me how this works? I have it on my car and I`ve read the handbook but when does it cut in and what effect does it have?
Has anyone actually witnessed this working when they have been in their car?
Any help would be appreciated.[8D]
Regards.

1.8 5 Door in Sassi Grey
Comfort Pack 1

 

[pjp]

As far as I know the following is true....Basically ESP is a clever piece of software that figures out which direction the car is going versus which way you are trying to make it go - then it tries to make the car go in the correct direction. The stilo has a steering angle sensor to tell where the wheels are pointing and uses an accelerometer combined with other sensors on the car to tell what the car is 'doing'. The car compensates by independently braking each of the wheels to achieve the desired direction of travel.
I haven't experienced the ESP on the Stilo, but did on on my previous car (3 series touring) - basically the car will try to sort out conditions that normally would have you off the road into the scenery, and it is a very weird sensation as the car handles totally differently to what you would expect.

Paul


Stilo Abarth 3dr, Broom Yellow (Nov '03)

 

[Mikz]

It's a very nice thing to have in car atleast here in Finland!
Many times ESP has kicked in when driving thight corners too fast...

 

[Slinky Wizard]

I have ESP in mine and it comes in very handy at times, although it does also have a tendancy to sometimes kick in when I feel there is no need. Having had ESP on my previous Focus I would never buy a car without it any more.

The time you notice it most is when an animal jumps in front of you on a country road, or someone does something silly on the motorway and you have to swerve to avoid them. In these situations ESP is really noticeable as the car simply goes where you point it instead of skidding/sliding.