90% of road accidents are caused by unreasonable driving behaviors, such as making sharp turns on tricky corners. The risk of rolling over will not only damage the vehicle but also endanger the passengers.
To prevent accidents, many car manufacturers equip their models with advanced safety systems. One system they installed to cut down on turning misfortunes is the roll stability control (RSC).
What Is RSC in a Car?
Roll stability control is a system installed in modern vehicles to prevent them from rolling over when making sharp turns. Commonly found on SUVs and crossovers, it’s installed on Ford, Land Rover, Lincoln, and Volvo cars.
Furthermore, the RSC system works closely with the stability control system and the anti-lock braking system (ABS). The stability control system prevents cars from skidding when turning, while the ABS prevents the wheels from locking up, allowing you to steer.
How Does Roll Stability Control Work?
The RSC system works with the help of a gyro sensor and the built-in electronic stability program (ESP/ESC) of the vehicle.
The sensor monitors the roll angle of the vehicle. If it senses the car is exceeding the limit, the RSC reduces engine power and applies the brakes on the front wheels with the help of the ESP. It won’t stop until the tires lose traction with the road.
The system also reduces the engine torque to reduce the centrifugal force on the vehicle so it maintains balance.
How to Use the Roll Stability Control System
The RSC system automatically activates when you turn the engine on. In most vehicles, drivers can turn it off below 35 miles per hour by pressing the stability control button on the instrument panel.
Additionally, the system automatically disables when the transmission is in reverse and when you engage the 4WD low or locked.
Things to Keep In Mind With the RSC System
While reliable, the RSC system itself isn’t perfect. Here are some things to remember to ensure the system works as intended:
Maintain Your Vehicle
The vehicle’s overall condition affects the RSC system’s functionality.
Shocks, for example, absorb and convert the up-and-down movement of the car into energy each time you hit a bump. When they’re worn out, you could lose control of the car’s stability. It might even result in it taking longer to stop.
Similarly, the suspension system has springs that prevent you from feeling each bump you drive over. They could cause stability problems if they’re worn out or damaged.
Tire treads are another example. A worn-out tire may cause slips or inadvertent acceleration. This may prompt the RSC to reduce engine power or apply the brakes.
It Only Works on Flat Roads
Your vehicle will still roll over if you’re driving off-road. It occurs when the body angle is too high, and the system can’t use the brakes or control the tires. Moreover, the RSC system won’t account for rollovers caused by ditches on the road, so you still need to follow safe driving practices.
Practice Safe Driving
Any wrong driver input hampers the system’s functionality. This means you can still lose control over your vehicle if you drive aggressively. Driving aggressively includes sudden accelerations, recklessly switching lanes, and hard braking, which can wear out suspension parts faster.
Reasons for Roll Stability Control Malfunction
There are also times when the RSC system malfunctions due to incorrect readings and a faulty steering angle sensor:
Incorrect Readings
Incorrect readings happen from time to time usually due to the yaw and faulty ABS sensors.
Yaw is when the weight of the vehicle shifts from the center of gravity to the left or right. It happens when you suddenly steer, accelerate, or brake, all of which may cause your car to spin around.
The RSC also tends to malfunction because of a faulty ABS sensor, which could malfunction if its coil windings are damaged due to wear and tear.
Faulty Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor is another component that assists the RSC system. It compares the data from the brakes and the wheels to the direction of the car. Without it, the system will have a hard time gauging the vehicle’s position and direction.
Why Is My RSC Light On?
The RSC light illuminates when there’s an issue with the system. It’s advised to take your vehicle to a nearby auto shop for a more thorough inspection.
The Bottomline
The RSC system helps maintain your vehicle’s balance when making sharp turns. It works with the help of gyro sensors and the ABS system to reduce the speed or slam on the brakes if the vehicle exceeds the normal roll angle.
It relies on your vehicle’s tires and sensory components, so keep your car maintained to fully utilize the RSC. Additionally, the shocks and struts are important to this system, so ensure they’re working properly.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
