What is stabilitrak?

StabiliTrak: An Overview

StabiliTrak is a General Motors (GM) electronic stability control (ESC) system designed to enhance vehicle control, particularly in challenging driving conditions. It's a registered trademark owned by GM.

How it Works:

StabiliTrak monitors various sensors within the vehicle to detect deviations from the driver's intended path. These sensors typically include:

• Wheel Speed Sensors: These measure the rotational speed of each wheel, indicating if any wheel is spinning faster or slower than others, a sign of potential loss of traction.
• Steering Angle Sensor: This sensor tracks the angle of the steering wheel, indicating the driver's intended direction.
• Yaw Rate Sensor: The yaw rate sensor measures the vehicle's rotation around its vertical axis (yaw), which helps determine if the car is turning more or less than intended.
• Lateral Acceleration Sensor: This measures the vehicle's side-to-side acceleration, providing information about the vehicle's stability.

Based on the data received from these sensors, the StabiliTrak system can detect conditions such as understeer (where the vehicle doesn't turn enough) or oversteer (where the vehicle turns too much). When it detects one of these conditions, it intervenes to help correct the vehicle's path.

Intervention Methods:

StabiliTrak can intervene in several ways to maintain control:

• Selective Braking: The system can apply the brakes to individual wheels independently. This can help steer the vehicle back onto the intended path. For example, if the system detects oversteer, it might apply the brake to the outside front wheel to help bring the rear of the vehicle back in line.
• Engine Torque Reduction: StabiliTrak can reduce engine power to reduce wheel spin and regain traction.
• Works in Conjunction with ABS and Traction Control: StabiliTrak works along with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control to provide comprehensive vehicle stability.

Benefits of StabiliTrak:

• Enhanced Stability: Helps prevent skidding and loss of control, especially in slippery or emergency situations.
• Improved Safety: Reduces the risk of accidents by assisting drivers in maintaining control of the vehicle.
• Increased Driver Confidence: Provides drivers with greater confidence and control in challenging driving conditions.

Important Note: While StabiliTrak can significantly improve vehicle stability, it is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Drivers should always exercise caution, adjust their driving to the road conditions, and avoid excessive speed.

Stabilitrak Light: A stabilitrak light on the dashboard indicates the system is either active or has a malfunction. If the light is flashing the system is actively working to regain control. If the light stays on, there is an issue with the system and it requires service.