Without the traction-control system, you would run the risk of hydroplaning or skidding off the road.

This transfer of power allows you to safely continue driving in the right direction. When the tires slip, your traction-control system turns on to shift the power from the tire that’s slipping to the tires that are still successfully gripping the road. The traction-control system is designed to detect when your car’s tires lose contact with the road during icy, rainy or windy conditions. What Does the Traction-Control Light Mean?ĭepending on the situation you’re in, an illuminated TCL may simply mean that the system is working properly. There are several circumstances that will cause your TCL to turn on, and each signals a different issue. It can look different, depending on your vehicle model, but it usually has the letters “TC” or an image that looks like a car with lines bending away from the tires. When your check-engine light turns on, for example, your mechanic will read the codes that the computer has generated to indicate which parts need attention.Īnother light on your dashboard is called the Traction-Control Light (TCL). When something goes wrong, the computer will alert you via lights on your dashboard. Your car has a computer that monitors and runs all of your vehicle’s components, ensuring that the parts are functioning properly.

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