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In reply to the discussion: What was the worst car you ever owned? Mine was a Rambler. Stopped whenever it pleased.--on bridges. hills. flat roads. [View all]Best_man23
(4,915 posts)The Traction Control System (TCS) has its pluses, and one minus that in some conditions, TCS can actually work against the driver.
Pluses: TCS can help in normal driving given the increased horsepower and torque in today's engines. In slightly wet, rainy conditions it allows drivers to get off to controlled starts without excessive wheel spin. It does this through selective application of the brakes through the ABS system, throttle control, and selective application and shifting of transmission clutches. Drivers of high horsepower cars like the Challenger and the Mustang refer to the TCS as the "nanny button".
Minus: The one time where TCS can actually work against the driver is in situations where having some wheel spin can get you out of a limited traction situation. Limited traction situations are going up snow covered hills and hills where there is loose dirt or rock. In this situation, TCS limiting wheel spin can prevent a car from getting enough momentum to move forward. Turning off the TCS in these situations may allow a driver to gain sufficient momentum to get up a slick hill by permitting the drive wheels to spin.
Sorry that I can speak specifically to the Saturn TCS button.