Why would you turn off vehicle stability assist?
In most driving situations, you should keep Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) enabled. It helps prevent skids by braking individual wheels and adjusting engine torque. You would only turn it off temporarily in rare, controlled circumstances—such as when you’re stuck in mud, snow, or sand, during specific off-road or performance training on a closed course, or under expert guidance—and you should re-enable it as soon as conditions allow.
What Vehicle Stability Assist Does
Vehicle Stability Assist uses a network of sensors to monitor your car’s speed, steering angle, yaw, and lateral acceleration. If the system detects that the car is not following the driver’s intended path (a skid or loss of traction), it automatically applies brakes to individual wheels and may reduce engine torque to help restore stability and steering control. This happens automatically and works alongside ABS and traction control to keep you on course, especially in wet, icy, or slippery conditions.
When It Might Be Helpful to Turn It Off
Turning ESC off is not recommended for everyday driving. The following scenarios are unusual and should only be attempted by experienced drivers in safe, controlled environments. Always prioritize safety and follow your vehicle’s manual.
- Getting unstuck from mud, sand, or deep snow where you need wheel spin to build momentum and move the vehicle free.
- Driving on very loose surfaces (e.g., deep gravel) where brake interventions can hinder momentum and controlled wheel spin is part of the recovery or maneuver.
- Performing certain off-road techniques or practicing vehicle dynamics on a closed course under expert supervision, where you want to experience handling without electronic corrections.
- Low-speed, controlled maneuvers in a safe setting (for experienced drivers) to learn how the car behaves with reduced electronic intervention. In most cases, off-road modes or chassis settings still provide some stability assistance, so check your vehicle’s specifics.
In all cases, recognize that turning ESC off increases your responsibility for vehicle control. Reactivation should occur promptly when normal driving resumes or when the assistance is no longer needed.
How to turn ESC off and back on
Exact steps vary by make and model, and many modern cars do not allow a full, permanent deactivation during regular road use. The following outlines typical behavior, but always consult your owner’s manual for your vehicle:
- Locate the dedicated ESC/traction control button on the center console or near the gear selector.
- With the vehicle at a stop, press the button briefly to disengage traction control; in many cars this does not fully deactivate ESC.
- For full ESC deactivation, you may need to press and hold the button for several seconds or perform a specific sequence, depending on the model.
- Look for a dash indicator—often labeled “ESC Off” or “Traction Control Off”—to confirm the status.
- To re-enable, press the button again or drive above a certain speed as the system typically re-engages automatically when you resume normal driving.
Because procedures vary, always follow the exact instructions in your vehicle’s manual. If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of keeping ESC active for everyday driving.
Safety considerations and best practices
For the vast majority of drivers, ESC is a critical safety feature that helps prevent loss of control in wet, icy, or slippery conditions, as well as in sudden obstacle scenarios. Disabling it should only occur in safe, controlled environments and with a clear plan to re-enable. If you’re driving on public roads, the default is to keep ESC on. If your vehicle’s system or weather conditions require different handling, adjust your speed and following distance accordingly and regain ESC control as soon as possible.
Summary
Vehicle Stability Assist is a safety cornerstone for most driving. Turn it off only in rare cases—such as when attempting to free a stuck vehicle, practicing specific off-road or performance maneuvers on a closed course, and under expert supervision. Always re-enable ESC as soon as you’re back to normal driving. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual for the exact procedure on your model, and prioritize safety above all else.
