Everything You Need to Know About Traction

Weather fluctuations and roadway material call for traction control. 

If you’ve ever felt your vehicle slide along the top of the road surface or noticed your tires spinning after hitting the brakes, you’ve experienced a loss of traction. By definition, traction is a function that works in the background to help accelerate and prevent wheel slippage when driving on slippery or wet surfaces. New or old, truck or car, nearly any type of vehicle can experience a loss of traction in inclement weather or on loose surfaces like gravel or mud. 
 

 
Our Taylor Automotive GMC team pulled together this list of everything you need to know about traction:  
 
Traction Control System (TCS)
Automobile engineers spend thousands of hours honing, tuning, and calibrating traction needs for different vehicle makes and models. A Traction Control System (TCS) limits wheel spin and will restore traction on roads or low-friction surfaces where the tires may have trouble finding grip. The system brakes the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system working in the moment.  
 
The Difference 
Traction control is different for all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. On a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the TCS senses when one or both front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. For an all-wheel-drive vehicle, the TCS operates if it senses any of the wheels are spinning or losing traction. 
 
Safe Driving Matters 
As a vehicle safety feature, traction control does not affect your vehicle’s ability to slow or stop; in short, it doesn’t prevent crashes. Speeding, following too closely behind another vehicle, or aggressively switching lanes in inclement weather or road conditions will work against your traction control. 
 
Easy On and Off
There may be times when you want to turn the TCS off—like when your truck is stuck in the snow and you want the wheels to spin to gain traction. Turning off traction control can sometimes be an effective way to get your vehicle moving again. 
 
 Driver Information Center
When the TCS is in action, an icon will flash on the Driver Information Center on your dashboard. If there is a problem detected with your TCS, a service warning will flash in the same area. For additional TCS information, visit your owner’s manual. 
 
The GMC vehicle of your dreams is not just out there, it is here! Shop the Taylor Automotive GMC inventory online or stop by and see us—you will be in the driver’s seat in no time. At our dealership, we have devoted ourselves to helping and serving our customers to the best of our ability. We believe the cars, trucks, and SUVs we offer will meet your needs at the highest quality available. Questions? Contact us for more information.