Electronic stability control (ESC) is a safety feature in cars that helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle and helps prevent it from spinning out due to a loss of traction. ESC is also known as Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Stability Program, Dynamic Stability Control, and other names. The system is on by default and works automatically and unobtrusively in the background until needed.
An antilock braking system (ABS) moderates vehicle brake pressure in emergency-stopping situations. Instead of applying sudden, constant pressure to the brakes, ABS rapidly pumps them. ABS prevents the wheels and steering from locking up, causing the vehicle to skid and the driver to lose control. Locked wheels increase stopping distance and inhibit the driver from steering around the obstacle they’re trying to avoid.
Trailer sway control is an electronic technology in a tow vehicle that uses sensors to detect when a trailer begins to move from side to side while in forward motion. Then, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) engage to reduce or eliminate unwanted movement and slow the tow vehicle, keeping the trailer tracking.
A rear window defroster is an embedded or applied electric heating element that warms the rear window to rid the glass of fogginess and frost or loosen snow and ice. The defroster is usually activated by a button on the console or dash and sometimes with a remote start.
An inflatable seat belt is a passive restraint strap in a car enhanced with internal airbags. The airbags inflate during a crash, helping to distribute forces from the crash across the torso, reducing the risk of injury to the occupant.
A massaging seat is a luxury comfort feature that uses built-in inflatable bladders under the seat covers to simulate common massage techniques, such as kneading, pressing, rolling, and more. Automakers often install bladders in the backrest and the seat cushion to provide a more effective massage.
A tow hitch is an extension of a vehicle’s chassis that enables the vehicle to tow a trailer. A receiver attaches to the hitch to insert a ball mount. After a trailer ball is screwed into the mount, a coupler, extending from the trailer, hooks onto the ball. Once all the components are locked together, including chains (and sometimes wiring), the vehicle can drive and pull a trailer behind it.
Running boards are narrow platforms attached to the vehicle’s underside running from the front to the back wheel that help a person more easily enter or exit a vehicle with higher ground clearance. Vehicles built early in the 20th century sported running boards due to their higher ride height. Today, you’ll usually find running boards on larger sport-utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and vans.
Adaptive suspension adjusts the ride characteristics of a vehicle on the fly through the dampers. Adaptive dampers placed at every corner of the car use sensors to monitor road conditions and adjust the response of the suspension system from rigid to plush based on the driver’s demands. Adaptive suspension settings can be predetermined with selectable drive modes, with names like comfort, normal, off-road, sport, or race, depending on the type of vehicle.
Hill descent control is a safety technology that frees the driver to steer while the vehicle’s computer actuates the anti-lock brakes and traction control to keep the vehicle moving downhill at a pre-set speed. Vehicles with off-road capability frequently feature this capability, where hill descent control can be highly effective.
