ESP: Electronic Stabilisation Programme

Reduces the danger of loosing control of a car during violent manoeuvres. We’ve done a feature about ESP which you might find interesting – click here.

ESP has really come of age as computers have got faster, smaller and cheaper because it requires a lot of processing power. The ESP sensor (or more accurately sensors, as there are lots of them) can tell when a car starts to skid by comparing the speeds of each wheel combined with sideways movement. The most effective systems then cut engine power and use the brakes on each wheel individually to bring the car back onto the straight and narrow. A common scenario would be a high-speed and sudden lane-change on a motorway while trying to avoid an obstacle. Cars can easily spin these situations but ESP will often allow the car to make the turn while still in control.

Much like anti-lock brakes, ESP is hardly ever used but may well save your life when you need it. It won’t stop you having a crash, but it’ll make it a lot less likely.