15) What is traction control system in hybrid cars?

When your car accelerates from a dead stop, or speeds up while passing another vehicle, traction control works to ensure maximum contact between the road surface and your tires, even under less-than-ideal road conditions. For example, a wet or icy road surface will significantly reduce the friction (traction) between your tires and the pavement. And since your tires are the only part of your car that actually touches the ground, any resulting loss of friction can have serious consequences.

With the TCS activated, when either of the two rear ABS/traction control sensors detects a wheel spinning at a rate higher than its counterpart, the engine management system retards ignition timing and modulates the fuel-air ratio to reduce power to that wheel. If the spinning continues, engine management cuts off one or more cylinders, and the ABS applies braking to the spinning wheel, transferring power to the other drive wheel. 

The TCS engine management strategies work at all speeds, and the system can apply braking to either rear wheel at speeds up to 62 mph.

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Learn more about hybrid cars:

Hybrid Car Technology

Toyota Hybrid Prius

Toyota Hybrid Highlander

Lexus Hybrid RX 400h

Ford Hybrid Escape

Honda Hybrid Accord

Honda Hybrid Insight

Honda Hybrid Civic

       
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