Should VSA be on or off?
In most driving conditions, keep Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) on. VSA, Honda’s name for its stability-control system, helps prevent skids by briefly applying brakes to individual wheels and adjusting engine power when it detects loss of traction or improper steering. You would only consider turning it off temporarily in specific scenarios—such as trying to move a stuck vehicle in snow or mud, or during controlled performance driving—then re-enable it as soon as the situation allows. This guidance applies broadly to vehicles equipped with VSA or similar stability-control systems (often labeled ESC/ESP) from various manufacturers.
What VSA does and why it matters
Vehicle Stability Assist continuously monitors wheel speed, steering input, yaw, and other signals to keep the car on its intended path. When it detects oversteer, understeer, or excessive wheel slip, it can apply braking to individual wheels and/or adjust engine power to help stabilize the vehicle. By doing so, VSA helps reduce the chance of skidding or loss of control, particularly in corners, sudden maneuvers, or slippery conditions.
When to keep VSA ON
There are clear safety benefits to leaving VSA enabled in most everyday driving scenarios. Consider the following common conditions where VSA should stay active:
- Normal driving on dry roads where traction is good
- Wet, icy, or snowy surfaces where grip is reduced
- Emergency braking or abrupt steering to maintain control
- Driving with trailers or heavy loads that require extra stability
Keeping VSA on ensures the vehicle has an automatic safety net that helps maintain stability without requiring driver intervention. If you notice the system intervening frequently, this is usually a sign you’re operating in less-than-ideal traction conditions and should adjust speed accordingly.
When you might temporarily turn VSA OFF
There are limited circumstances where turning VSA off may be beneficial, but these should be undertaken with caution and only by drivers who understand the tradeoffs. Before using these scenarios, know that the system will usually re-engage automatically or when you re-activate it via the switch.
- Trying to free a vehicle stuck in deep snow, mud, or sand where you need full wheel spin to gain momentum
- On a closed track or in controlled, professional driving settings where an experienced driver wants direct throttle/brake control
- During diagnosis or testing of traction issues with a mechanic in a safe environment
After completing the task, re-enable VSA to restore the safety net. In many vehicles, pressing the VSA OFF button again or cycling the ignition will re-engage the system.
How to enable or disable VSA
Most cars with VSA feature a dedicated VSA OFF button on the dashboard. Press the button to turn VSA off; an indicator light on the dash will usually illuminate. Press the button again to re-enable VSA, or follow your owner’s manual instructions, as some models re-engage automatically after certain actions. When in doubt, keep VSA on for regular driving.
Summary
VSA is a crucial safety tool that helps you stay on your intended path by mitigating wheel slip and under- or oversteering. For everyday driving, leave VSA on. Turn it off only in specific, controlled circumstances where you understand the potential tradeoffs, and re-enable it as soon as possible. When in doubt, prioritizing VSA on offers the best balance of safety and control.
