Torque Shop: No need to switch off active safety systems

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Japanese Formula Drift driver Kenshiro Gushi during a demonstration held on 25 August 2017.

Unless you are drifting on a racetrack, never switch off your car's traction control.

PHOTO: ST FILE

A car’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) cannot be switched off. If an amber “ABS” warning lights up on the dashboard, it means the system has malfunctioned. When this happens, the brakes will continue to work, but without any intervention to prevent wheel locking.

On the other hand, aggressive acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces, will result in wheelspin, which is loss of grip. Traction control uses ABS sensors to mitigate wheelspin. 

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