Buying a New Car? Get Stability Control!

We've known for decades about the benefits of antilock brakes and traction control, but consumers are still relatively unaware of the precise benefits of the latest application of those technologies: stability control. A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests that up to 10,000 fatal accidents can be prevented every year if the system were on all vehicles, instead of the current 25 percent. That's a huge number, given that there are 34,000 car-crash deaths a year. Read this article for a good explanation of how the systems work, and don't let dealers convince you that stability control isn't necessary just so you'll drive out with a car that isn't equipped with it. According to David Champion, head of auto testing for Consumer Reports, "a big part of the problem is that, since many customers are unaware of the technology or don't fully understand it, it's easier for car dealers to tell consumers they don't need it." —Eric Adams

And here's a list, by Consumer Reports, of all the brand names for what are actually virtually identical systems:

Active Handling: Chevrolet
AdvanceTrac: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): Saab, Hyundai, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mazda, Jeep, Kia, BMW, Mini
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC): Volvo
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Chrysler, Dodge, Suzuki
Mitsubishi Active Skid and Traction Control System (M-ASTC): Mitsubishi
Porsche Stability Management (PSM): Porsche
StabiliTrak: Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC): Nissan, Infiniti
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC): Subaru
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA): Acura, Honda
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): Lexus, Scion, Toyota 

Related:
In 2026 You'll Own a Car That Can't Crash
PopSci.com tries out the 2007 Porsche Turbo

Comments

[michael jones]

I am not sure if that is the safest way but i intend to visit some online car auctions and to buy a car...

[used jones]

what about proper suspension. in north america we have for the most part very few turns in our roads. especially because of the highway system. when buying a used car, make sure it has european suspension. you get twice the handling.

[used jones]

what about proper suspension. in north america we have for the most part very few turns in our roads. especially because of the highway system. when buying a used car, make sure it has european suspension. you get twice the handling.

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what other botton are you going to improve into the devices???? jajaja establish control??? GPS??? tv??? thats

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[Van Sales]

I visited this blog first time and found it very interesting and informative.. Keep up the good work thanks..

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that stability control saves my life, so recommend them.

[Staph]

For your safe you MUST have a stability control on your car

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But is this stability control good?
because sometimes things are not what we think!
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when buying a used car, make sure it has european suspension. you get twice the handling.

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Stability We've known for decades about the benefits of antilock brakes and traction control, but consumers are still relatively unaware of the precise benefits of the latest application of those technologies: stability control.

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That's a huge number, given that there are 34,000 car-crash deaths a year.

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For some people the highways became a funny trip and never think of care they must to have every time they go over there.

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Chevrolet is very nice company I like this company. I would like to purchase one more
car from this company. Thanks for sharing this car details. Very nice featured provided for this car.

.....Alex

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This is really important because we need more stability with our cars I think antilock brakes and traction control is a good solution in that way we can avoid some accidents.

[Indianapolis cars]

I guess searching for "buying a new car" in Google was a good idea. I landed here because of that. Anyway, I'm considering automobiles with good safety features. I wouldn't want to put the people in my car in danger. I mean, who would, right? That list you have there is very handy indeed. I'll be taking that list and look for those makes or models when I go to the car dealers here in my home town. More power to your blog!

- Nicole Vickers

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Electronic stability control (ESC)improves safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids.It is very useful specially for newly drivers.It is badly needed right now for cases of car crash every year rises.

[Kevyn Hagemann]

Stability control, huh. I wonder if I can have one installed on a Dodge Caravan when I buy one here in Edmonton. I have to agree with Nicole Vickers about searching for "buying a new car". If I didn't do it, I would have missed this awesome suggestion. Thanks!