What Traction Control Button Does & When to Turn it Off! 

The best Traction Control explanation ever. I am one of those people that benefitted from Jeff's demonstration going uphill. Thanks for thinking of us. Much appreciated.

When you circled magic around my screen Christina Banks @ 00:13 you filled my heart with so much joy! 🥰

I aways thought it was a warning that there are 2 snakes behind me 😮

I was going up on a very shallow, but iced-over incline coming out of a parking lot. Having to stop at the top to check for traffic, my vehicle was simply unable to pull out on the road...my front-wheel drive just kept slipping. Cars were coming up behind me, but I was simply not going anywhere, and the front wheels were just spinning. When the vehicles behind me came around me and clear out, I got thought, "Well, lets try it," and turned off my traction control. Lo and behold, my vehicle moved forward without any issue and I got onto the road...totally surprised me: the traction control was working against me.

I am an older driver that knows how to use the gas pedal to control slippage, but you have to pay attention to what your drive wheels are doing in icy or snowy conditions.

The Toyota salesman did not know what the traction control did. Good information learned from your presentation

Wow. Thank you both for the explanation! I have a very hard time going up the steep hill to my house when there's ice or snow. I got stuck several times

It’s important to know how your traction control works as they’re different per manufacturer, and to know how invasive they are. It makes a difference in how it’ll help you in various situations. The C5, maybe even the C4, Corvette had a great traction/launch control that could get a novice driver to do perfectly 1/4 miles runs. My E46 M3’s system hinders it drastically by cutting engine power for a few seconds where the pedal basically goes dead to my inputs…that has caused some scares when pulling out into traffic where getting on the throttle and accelerating moderately is key, but when my tires slipped on some water or gravel (or this time I had not very grippy tires) traction control kicked in and I made less than ideal progress and pissed off a few drivers. My system works great in snow with proper tires though. The Mercedes ML320 in the 90’s had a good system of AWD that applied braking power to a slipping wheel to transfer power other wheels, that’s a system you’d leave on for that hill example.

Thank you guys for explaining that I had no idea about that button but now you made it very clear to me on how to use it. Have a wonderful day and thank you for the tip.🤩👍🏼

I don't even listen to what you say. I just watch and it makes me feel real good for the day.

Good video! This happened to me where I got stuck in the snow with my 2017 Altima and trying to get out of the snow didn't work since the power was cut from the wheels; turned TC off and I was able to rock back and forth out of the spot. It was a one time deal but saved me from a tow :)

Well, well, well... so that's what happened to me. Had a truly horrible experience on a long, steep incline road during a sudden snowstorm 5 years ago. Car just kept slipping backwards down the hill and I was too far up to let it slide all the way back down. I fought it for almost 10 minutes before getting to the top. If I had only known. I suspected something when I noticed how much my car hates the ECT button on my own driveway at home - that's why I watched this video! Well, thank you now.

Simple, easy explanation. Thank you.

Thanks you so much for making this video!! In November I purchased a used 2021 Renegade (27k miles) with a 1.4 (4 cyl) that is automatic. If you move the transmission lever to the left it has 1 & 2 on it) This past week in Iowa we had 3 major snow storms. I had trouble in the 'snow' 4WD drive mode as I couldn't get started in my own driveway!! I tried the Auto 4WD and Snow 4WD with the tires spinning and basically I had to rock it back and forth and I finally got out. The traction control was on. I realize some of it could also be the kind of tires that is on it. IMO the 'electronic' 4WD systems have ruined the mechanical 4WD. I had a 2006 Jeep Liberty with a 3.7 V6 and 17 inch tires. The 4WD mechanical lever in the vehicle had 4 Hi and 4 Lo and I could go anywhere with it!! After this past week I was missing my Liberty and regretting getting my Renegade BUT I will try your suggestion!! Thanks, Duane

In some vehicles, pushing that button, and seeing the indicator on the dashboard is no guarantee that the system is actually disabled. I was instructed to park a trailer in a yard area that was very soggy, and the 4X4 RAM 3500 began spinning the wheels. Even after unhooking the trailer and shutting off the TC, I could feel the system interfering with my efforts to get out of the muddy, deepening tire tracks. I referred to the manual and pulled the fuse which protects the system. The truck drove out almost immediately. Sometimes engineers are tricky; they only let you *think* that you have control, but they're still involved.

Jeff’s demo on the hill was brilliant. Nicely done!

I definitely want to push Christina’s fun button!

Thanks, you made it clear when to turn it off!

I now know what that feature does. Thank you!

My wife has a Subaru Outback with single stage Xmode, which causes the front wheels and the rear wheels to work together. Kind of like a posi traction rear end . In a Subaru stage 1, is called Snow and Dirt mode. It’s great for pulling away from a light on lightly snow covered roads or if it’s patchy snow, ice and pavement. I have Dual Xmode on my Subaru Forester Touring. The Fist stage ; snow and dirt responds just like her Outback, but stage 2 in my Forester is for Deep Snow and Mud. This program takes the traction control Off, allowing each wheel to spin faster independently. And yes having the traction control off is a blast for cutting donuts in a large parking lot covered in snow and ice.

I drove a 1987 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight for decades, and my uncle drove a 1988 Ninety Eight and his had Anti Lock breaks which was a new feature at the time only on some luxury vehicles at the time. And he didn’t know what it mean’t until he heard it kick in on an icy road one winter drive in the late 80’s.

I'm always so excited about these add ons like traction control, terrain modes, auto cruise control, auto brakes etc...until I realise that I'm not a lazy driver and actually enjoy "driving" and having control of my vehicle. Once you gain a bit of experience, you're able to control the vehicle using the basics...like brakes, accelerator, and gears and actually have fun doing so. These are all gimmicks. Good solid and fun explanation of traction control, though, so thanks for that:)

this was awesome--I've always wondered about this issue, and now I know. Snow banks, steep uphills--easy to remember. Donuts in a snowy parking lot sounds like fun, unless under the snow there are parking blocks at the end of each parking space. Probably not a good to hit those when doing donuts! In thinking about this further, I think I'd rather just have a doughnut, as I'll be 62 in May so I don't have that many more years to enjoy a doughnut now and then . . .

Thank you that was a big help for I've owned a Jeep for a year, my first jeep and I had no idea what that button was for. Thank you, now I'm an expert.

Thank-you, for an excellent explanation. I don't plan on ever being stuck, going up a steep slippery hill, or making donuts, but it's good to know! 😄

I have owned a lot of toyotas over the years and love them. I never had a bright, beautiful young lady demo the options though...TY TY 😇🥰

LOVE the simulations!!! i learned a lot too

My last car was in an AWD 06 Honda Element that did not have traction control. My current car is a 2023 Subaru Forester that does have a traction control button. I don't anticipate needing to turn it off very often with the Forester but it's nice to know that I can if I need to.

Always love the bloopers 😂.. you 2 are awesome 👏👍🏼

Best explanation I’ve heard, thanks.

On my 2011 Chevy sedan, if I press the button it works the same as you presented. If I hold it for 8 seconds, it will also defeat the ESC - electronic stability control - which helps to maintain the predicted (calculated) path of the vehicle.

learned somethng new today - thanks guys

First time seeing either of you and you were both great separately and especially as a team. Not only was if useful information but your interactions and the cut of the video made out fun and enjoyable to watch

Thank you from a 2017 Highlander user.

Thank you guys. ❤

Thank you so much for the information.

nice explaination and funny too. Again very true.

Hey thanks for putting this up! Great information I've been procrastinating to finding out what traction control is and you have a video on it. Thanks again!

This is quite a change as Jeff is usually the one pushing our buttons 😃

Very interesting thank you both.

In a bmw if you keep the traction control pressed for about 30s , it will not only disable traction control completely but also turn off the ABS. This is useful if the ABS sensor is damaged and the car goes into limited power mode. It happened to me and BMW told me to do this so that I could get to their workshop.

I knew how traction control worked. I watched the video just to see Christina. 😂

Thank you...enjoyed the video...good job.

I drive an off road rated 4X4 - 3 ton truck. I turn off the traction control and use the 4X4 wheel lock when going in to deep snow to park or get out of a parking spot. The truck has deep thread high traction snow/mud tires. I have no issues with snow and off road conditions. I can park on streets in winter where normal cars cannot park. I make my own parking place in the the snow. If to get stuck with this truck I would have to do something stupid or try to get stuck.

best video on trac control ever😻

I learned this from my mom if you are driving in snow going up And down hills put your car in a lower gear works best on roads where traffic is not driving crazy

Thanks for the info.

i gave this a like you guys are too funny the snowless snow bank and the carless hill climb are hilarious

Back in the 90's (before most vehicles had traction contro) I used my brakes to add pressure to the pads. Not near as good or as efficient as traction control but the concept was sound back then.

Well explained 👏 😊❤

Good job!

That Camry is gorgeous. If I could affored to buy a third Toyota, I'd be looking to get that one. And 4 Runner. And a Tacoma. Maybe not in that order.

I’m happy to click your fun button.

Good tips for everyone.

She is very good teacher ❤

Traction control on a high performance car also wears out your tires a lot faster (unless you're intentionally burning out all the time...). Turn it on when road conditions are not optimal to help with control but in good conditions leave it off so your tires last longer.

Good demo Jeff

Great vid .but drive up here in Saskatchewan 🇨🇦 in -50 in the winter or freezing 🥶 rain

Well done

Great Job!! : )

Winter is the time to turn it off if your traction control activities at 110 kph on ice, you will be rolling in the ditch. That's a great piece of safety equipment. It happens all the time in Canada

Jeff's demo was the highlight, way better than using an actual car 😂

I keep forgetting to turn my Traction Control off when I've done doughnuts in a snowy parking lot but it seems just fine with it on. However it might be bad for the brakes when purposely trying to loose traction ...so next time we get snow I'll have to try turning it off

very helpful ❤

Thank you!

Jeff is the Star of the show

I been using that on my chevy Equinox especially on the wet climate

In my friend's old truck, the traction control button was within arms reach of the passenger seat. I would occasionally turn it off. (Don't worry, road conditions were good.) The orange light would illuminate and my friend had no idea what the heck it meant. He was afraid to drive with the light on because he was afraid it would damage his vehicle. So he would pull over, shut his truck off, and restart it, which would reset it and turn the light off. To this day he had no idea it was me doing that, nor did he figure out all he had to do was press that button to turn it back on again.

ive had it for three years on my new car, and never know what it was. thanks.

What do you select when you are parked uphill, the road is wet and the wheels are spinning when you are trying to leave?

I don't like traction control,and live in a cold climate where there's snow. Thru my life I always pumped the brakes moderately, and adjusted how much gas to give the car. I don't like the traction control at all, because it interferes with how I've driven in snowy or icy conditions. I always turn it off. I just don't like it. For those who are scared to drive in these conditions, I think it would be great. A lot of women would like this feature, in my opinion. I just don't like the "system" automatically pumping my brakes when I've already started to do it manually.

I have the traction control on as it really don't benefit my needs. A well explained video it is!! I can say for the price of the TRD it don't have digital custer and is 15 years behind in tech! I did take the Sonata N Line over the TRD due to the over the top tech it has.inside it!

Turn it off when you need to make an aggressive move on dry pavement. In my wife's Audi I was trying to get out of an uphill driveway and merge onto a curved highway with limited visibility of oncoming traffic. I had to be quick about it. Unfortunately, and obviously, the traction control kicked in and the car simply wouldn't accelerate once I had gotten onto the highway. Traffic caught up with me. Fortunately they didn't honk or anything. I don't know if a wheel left the ground causing it to kick in (as there was a hump as well), the fact that I was driving uphill, or what.

You are both very nice. Thank you for this video, although it would have been better if you had waited for the winter and actually shown us how to use the traction control, rather than Christina telling us over and over imagine a snowy day ... 😄

so, for everyday driving in good wx and on no issue roads is it better to leave it on or turn it off??? 🤠

Good video

I've never even touched mine. I couldn't tell you if it was on or off. I will now have to investigate.

I never use it, much rather drive myself, in fact when you learn how to drive in slippery conditions it can actually be fun. 😁

Thank you

Does it just lock the differential? If so - it can be used only in slippery conditions to avoid any damage/wear.

I had a frightening experience pulling out of a farm gravel driveway onto a highway with limited vision both ways. When a gap in the traffic occurred , I put my foot on the accelerator, the front of the car moved onto the highway then the the rear wheels stopped turning and the engine hesitated, not knowing what had happened, I was able to reverse back, just in time to prevent an accident. Then I realised it was the traction control preventing me from accelerating onto the highway, Turning it off gave me full control moving forward, even if I left a spray of gravel behind me.

Good idea read owner Manual of your car

I have a question...my dad is 93 and is still driving. He has 2011 Chrysler nitro and this morning his control traction light came on. I pushed the off button first thing but the light remained on. In addition, his ABS light is on. Are they connected? He's 93 and not inclined to do anything because the only mechanic he ever had passed away a few years back. He only drives once in a while for about six miles or less at a time. I would appreciate some information about how serious this may or may not be so I have enough information to convince him and so I can be informed enough to speak with a mechanic. I am a 72 year old woman and I'm concerned about being taken advantage of? I would appreciate your input if have the time. Thank you. Chris

I prefer the TCS off as the default setting (press and hold TCS for 3 seconds for default off). How do I eleminate the gauge cluster warning window (TCS OFF) always taking over the screen while driving between the tach and speedometerso I can see the other functions ?

Well how do you turn it back on? Does it turn on automatically if you start the car?

How would you use traction control? How did Christina do?

THANKS ❤😊

Thx! 😄

I like the buttons right there where you're gonna dump your drink into them

I'm still not sure in what conditions it needs to be turned on. I live in an area with no snow and only rain during winter. I'm suspecting it's just better to have it on all the time...

Beauty and the beast explained, and i got it.

I am still confused, what conditions you want it off vs at what other conditions you want them ON? If I understood it correct, you do want it OFF when you want to move around smoothly in up hills. Does it help provide more grip during slippery conditions like snow or rain? I am lost.

I have a Chevy Spark 2014 it’s work great on the snow and water

Thanks. 👍 Traction ON - Minimize Fishtailing on wet roads and conditions, or minimize spinning wheels by applying brakes or reducing engine power to spinning wheels Traction OFF - Help you get unstuck in snow, embankment, or hill; or if you want to do “donuts” By default, leave the traction button ON.

Hey Jeff, would it be asking too much to post a link to Christina's channel? 🤔

My older brother bought a brand new Subaru with traction control a while back. When he started explaining what it did I looked at him like he was crazy. I grew up knowing about cars, but I hadn't worked on a new car in a while. I assumed the traction control button just engaged the limited slip differential in the front. Had no idea that it engaged the antilock brakes independently on the slipping wheel. Nice theory, but they generally don't work very well in the real world. I call them 'poor man's posi'..

They used to call it Postreaction. When I turn it on my 2003 Corvette it seems like it crouches down and hugs the road better in the turns. I usually leave it off my car is low enough already and I rarely corner sharply. To me it probably gets better gas mileage and less wear on my brakes and differential. I watch these Teslas go by all the time and I think they could have had a V8 and a six speed manual transmission. It is so much more fun and if they are two years old I would probably beat them anyway.

The button is confusing as hell no one tells you that the traction control which supposedly keeps the tires from slipping is actually ON by default on the car so pushing that button will TURN IT OFF. Not like every other button does. Any other button in the world turns the action you want on when you first push it. So I thought it was turning my traction on when i pushed it and the orange light lit up. Even though the word OFF is clearly on it. I couldnt understand why something would be off while lit up. Also when I push it THATS when my traction gets better in rainy weather. When i push it again and the light goes off my car immediately starts slipping in wet weather. So its confusing as hell

I’ve test drove the new 2024 CX-5, and all who have found the steering to be heavily weighted to steer. I have the perfect solution, Turn OFF the traction control. Now you can use 1 finger to drive your car in tight places. This is also true for my 2019 CX-3. The TCS will always revert to on when the car is turned off. So for easy steering just turn it Off again.

Thanks for the video, but I'm still a bit confused. First, I have never "touched" the traction control button since I bought my car some 5 years ag, but just 2 days ago when breaking on icy road while going 30 mph I noticed that light come on as the car slowed down while vibrating to a stop. BTW, it a 6 speed manual. I suppose it means it's set to the "on" position.