When Did They Start Making Traction Control?

Automakers began producing traction control systems for road cars in the early 1970s, most notably with Buick’s MaxTrac debuting on select 1971 models; the technology was refined and commercialized in the late 1980s by European manufacturers and became widespread through the 1990s, effectively standard by the 2010s as part of electronic stability control packages. The term covers electronic systems that reduce wheel spin during acceleration, improving safety and drivability on slippery or high-power conditions.

What Traction Control Means

Traction control is an electronic aid that detects when a driven wheel starts to spin faster than grip allows and intervenes to restore traction. Modern systems use wheel-speed sensors and the car’s brake and engine controllers to reduce power or briefly brake a spinning wheel, helping the vehicle accelerate more cleanly and maintain stability, especially on wet, icy, or loose surfaces.

Early Beginnings (1950s–1970s)

The roots of traction control trace to mid-20th-century anti-skid developments in aviation, which demonstrated how wheel-speed sensing and modulation could preserve grip. In automobiles, the first notable production traction-control-like system appeared in the United States: Buick’s MaxTrac, offered for 1971 on select models such as the Riviera. MaxTrac monitored wheel speed and, when it detected excessive rear-wheel spin, reduced engine output—an early electronic approach to limiting slip on rear-drive cars.

Refinement and Commercialization (Late 1980s–1990s)

The late 1980s saw a leap as ABS hardware and microprocessors matured. European brands worked with suppliers like Bosch to integrate traction control with anti-lock braking. Mercedes-Benz offered ASR (anti-slip regulation) in the late 1980s, and other manufacturers followed in the early 1990s: BMW with ASC/ASC+T, Toyota with TRC, and broader adoption across GM, Ford, and others. By the mid-to-late 1990s, traction control became common on premium cars and increasingly available on mainstream models, often bundled with ABS.

From Optional Extra to Standard Feature (2000s–2010s)

As electronic stability control (ESC) emerged in the mid-1990s and 2000s, traction control became part of a wider safety suite. Regulatory push cemented adoption: in the United States, ESC was phased in from 2009 and required on all new light vehicles by the 2012 model year; in the European Union, ESC became mandatory for new models starting in 2011 and for all new cars from 2014. Because ESC relies on wheel-speed sensing and brake/engine modulation, traction control functionality effectively became standard in most markets during this period.

Racing and Motorcycles

Racing accelerated development and debate. In Formula 1, electronic traction control was widely used by the early 1990s, banned for 1994, permitted again from 2001 to 2007, and banned from 2008 onward to emphasize driver skill. In motorcycles, limited traction control appeared in the early 1990s on select touring models (for example, Honda offered ABS/TCS on certain ST1100 variants), but the feature became prominent in performance bikes from the late 2000s, notably with systems such as Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and BMW’s Dynamic Traction Control, aided by compact sensors and powerful ECUs.

Key Milestones

The following list outlines notable milestones that mark the evolution of traction control from concept to commonplace in road vehicles and motorsports.

• 1950s: Anti-skid systems in aviation (e.g., Dunlop Maxaret) establish sensor-based slip control principles.
• 1971: Buick introduces MaxTrac on select models, an early electronic traction-control system in production cars.
• Late 1980s (circa 1987): Mercedes-Benz, with Bosch, debuts ASR (anti-slip regulation) as an option on luxury models.
• Early 1990s: Broader rollout—BMW (ASC/ASC+T), Toyota (TRC), and others integrate traction control with ABS.
• Mid–late 1990s: Feature spreads from luxury to mainstream segments as electronics become more affordable.
• 2001–2007: Formula 1 allows traction control; banned again from 2008 onward.
• 2009–2012 (US) and 2011–2014 (EU): ESC mandates make traction control effectively standard on new cars.

Taken together, these milestones show a clear trajectory: early experimentation, rapid refinement alongside ABS, motorsport-driven innovation, and finally universal adoption via stability-control mandates.

Why It Matters

Traction control improves real-world safety and confidence by reducing wheel spin under acceleration, helping maintain directional stability, shortening acceleration distances on low-grip surfaces, and protecting driveline components. As part of ESC, it has become a cornerstone of modern automotive safety and performance.

Summary

Manufacturers began making traction control for production cars in the early 1970s, with Buick’s 1971 MaxTrac as a landmark first. The technology matured in the late 1980s and spread through the 1990s, becoming effectively standard worldwide in the 2010s as an integral component of electronic stability control. From its roots in aviation and early automotive experiments to widespread adoption, traction control has evolved into a foundational safety and performance feature for cars and, increasingly, motorcycles.

Why did traction control come on?

Your traction control light may be on because it is currently working in slippery conditions, such as snow or rain, or because there’s a malfunction with a component like a faulty wheel speed sensor, steering angle sensor, or ABS module. Other causes include low tire pressure, incorrect tire size, low brake fluid, or the system being accidentally turned off. You should have your car inspected if the light remains on in normal driving conditions, especially if it’s accompanied by other warning lights, as this indicates a problem that needs professional attention.
 
When the Light is Working Normally 

• Slippery conditions: If you are driving on snow, mud, or wet pavement, the light may flash to indicate that the traction control system is actively working to maintain traction. This is a normal and helpful function of the system.

When the Light Indicates a Problem
If the light is on when driving in dry, normal conditions, or if it stays on, it means there’s a fault. Here are the common causes: 

• Faulty sensors:
  • Wheel Speed Sensors: These sensors monitor the rotation speed of each wheel. A faulty, dirty, or corroded sensor can send incorrect information, triggering the light. 
  • Steering Angle Sensor: This sensor tells the system the angle of your steering wheel. If it malfunctions, the system won’t know the car’s orientation, leading to activation of the traction control light. 
• Electrical issues:
  • Wiring problems: Breaks, cuts, or corrosion in the wiring of the speed sensors can disrupt communication and cause the light to come on. 
  • ABS module malfunction: A faulty or malfunctioning ABS control unit or module can also trigger the light. 
• Tire issues:
  • Low tire pressure: Incorrect tire pressure can cause irregular sensor readings, leading to the traction control light illuminating. 
  • Improper tire size: Using tires of different sizes can also confuse the system. 
• Brake system problems:
  • Low brake fluid: A low level of brake fluid can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying brake system issue that also affects the traction control system. 
• Accidental disabling:
  • Traction Control Button: On some vehicles, the traction control system can be manually turned off using a button. It’s possible you may have accidentally pressed this button. 

What to Do

1. Check your tires: Ensure all tires are properly inflated and of the correct size. 
2. Check for a disable button: Look for a button or switch on your dashboard that may have been pressed to turn off the system. 
3. Get it checked professionally: If the light remains on, especially in normal conditions, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and repair the underlying cause. Ignoring the warning light can lead to reduced stability and other safety issues. 

Is traction control legally required?

Traction control is not strictly necessary but is a highly recommended active safety feature that is now required on all new cars sold in the U.S.. It prevents wheelspin and helps a vehicle maintain grip and stability on slippery surfaces like rain, snow, or gravel. While most drivers should leave it on for maximum safety, it can be deactivated in rare situations, such as getting unstuck from deep mud, sand, snow, or ice.
 
Benefits of Traction Control

• Improved Safety: It’s an active safety feature that helps prevent loss of control by reducing wheel spin during acceleration. 
• Enhanced Grip: The system applies subtle braking to the misbehaving wheel or reduces engine power when it detects a wheel spinning too fast. 
• Smoother Driving: It contributes to a smoother driving experience, especially in adverse conditions. 
• Increased Confidence: Drivers can feel more confident in challenging conditions like rain or snow. 

When to Consider Turning it Off
While generally beneficial, there are rare exceptions when turning off traction control is appropriate: 

• Getting Unstuck: If your vehicle is stuck in deep mud, sand, snow, or ice, turning off traction control allows the wheels to spin freely and potentially dig through the obstacle to find firmer ground. 
• High-Performance Driving: In some motorsports or specialized driving scenarios, drivers may temporarily deactivate the system to have more direct control over the vehicle. 

Key Takeaway
For normal daily driving, keeping traction control on is crucial for maintaining control and safety. You should only turn it off when absolutely necessary for specific situations where the system’s intervention would be a hindrance rather than a help.

When did traction control become standard?

Traction control is standard on all new cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. because it is federally mandated as part of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, with the requirement taking effect for the 2012 model year. While traction control was available and became mainstream in the 1990s, it became a required safety feature for all new vehicles starting in 2012. 
Key Dates and Regulations

• 1970s: Early, less sophisticated traction control systems were developed. 
• Late 1980s/Early 1990s: Traction control began to appear in more cars, with luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW offering it in their models. 
• 1990s: The system became more widespread and integrated into many vehicles. 
• 2007-2012: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a final rule requiring ESC, which includes traction control, in new light vehicles. 
• 2012: This requirement became effective, making ESC and, by extension, traction control a standard feature on all new cars and light trucks in the U.S. 

What year did cars get traction control?

Cars first received rudimentary traction control in the early 1970s, with the 1971 Buick Riviera featuring a system called MaxTrac. More modern, widespread electronic traction control developed through the 1980s and 1990s, leveraging the anti-lock brake (ABS) sensors already in use. The 1990s saw the beginning of wider adoption, and traction control became a standard feature on nearly all new vehicles in the U.S. due to federal mandates starting in the 2012 model year. 
Early Innovations (1970s) 

• 1971: The Buick Riviera offered MaxTrac, an early version that detected and reduced power to spinning rear wheels.
• 1979: Cadillac introduced the Traction Monitoring System (TMS) on the Eldorado.

Development and Widespread Use (1980s-1990s) 

• 1980s: Traction control evolved, with manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz introducing more advanced systems that integrated with anti-lock braking (ABS). 
• 1990s: With advancements in computerized engine controls and the widespread use of ABS wheel-speed sensors, traction control systems became more sophisticated, often controlling both engine power and braking to prevent wheel slip. 

Mandatory Standard (2012-Present) 

• 2012: Traction control, along with anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), became a standard safety feature on all new cars and light trucks sold in the U.S.