MINI provides both fun driving and safety even in adverse conditions. Mini drivers today are not scared of driving on slippery roads because they trust their Mini’s Traction Control System (TCS) to help to a large extent in a situation that can require emergency driving procedures.
The traction control system is an active safety feature in your Mini. It monitors each wheel of your Mini to ensure that there’s no wheel slippage as you accelerate in bad road conditions. The system integrates three components: the wheel speed sensor, the hydraulic modulator, and the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). These link with the Ant-ilock Braking System (ABS) to provide you safety.
Three Traction Control System Settings in Your Mini
- Dynamic Control Stability (DCS): This traction control setting is always on by default in your MINI. It intervenes in any case of instability during your drive to ensure you are on track.
- Dynamic Traction Control (DTC): You can turn on this mode by pressing the traction control button in your MINI. It is the best mode for bad conditions like snow, sand, or loose gravel.
- Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC): This mode gives the driver complete control but kicks in when needed most.
MINI’s traction control system can malfunction and stop performing its functions efficiently, making it useless in your Mini. Given its importance, as a MINI driver, you should ensure that all components working with the traction control system are well maintained. You can achieve this by involving our experts to routinely inspect and test the conditions of your MINI’s traction control system.
As we mentioned earlier, the traction control system in your Mini can face issues and stop functioning. When this happens, the traction control light on the dash of your Mini will illuminate to let you know that something is not working.
Usually, you can get confused if you don’t know what it means when the traction control light illuminates. Therefore, it is best to understand a few things.
First, if the traction control light illuminates and stays on when you drive in good weather conditions, there’s a problem with the traction control system. Second, if the light flashes when you are driving in poor conditions, it means that the system is working.
How the Traction Control System Aids Your Driving
The fundamental purpose of the traction control system is to provide both you and your MINI cooper with safety:
- The TCS in your Mini comes in handy in poor weather that involves snow or rain and friction low-friction roadways.
- The TCS prevents your Mini from sliding off the track when you’re driving. It minimizes the risk of losing control when you accelerate or when over-steering around corners.
- Also, the TCS helps you maintain control and stability of your Mini by shifting power from wheels with little grip to the wheels with more grip.
Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Traction Control System
A malfunctioning traction control system means that the system no longer aids your driving in poor road and weather conditions. Fortunately, there are various symptoms to look out for to let you know when to take your Mini to certified technicians for inspection, service, and possibly a replacement.
- The TCS light is on: When the traction control system light comes on and stays illuminated indefinitely, there is something wrong. It could be faulty solenoids, wheel speed sensors, or even pressure accumulators. In this case, the system is not engaged and needs to be checked by professionals.
- The TCS won’t engage or disengage: There are times you will notice your Mini hydroplanes despite the TCS being on. Also, your vehicle may become difficult to handle because the TCS won’t turn off.
- Anti Lock braking failure: The TCS and ABS are linked and work together. When the traction control system has a malfunction, it will engage the antilock braking system when not needed or fail to engage the ABS when it should.
Dieter’s Porsche & BMW Service for Your MINI
The traction control system is a crucial safety feature in your MINI and should not ignore any warning signs of its malfunction. Bring your vehicle to our experts at Dieter’s Porsche & BMW Service for a top-quality diagnosis and service. We serve Chula Vista, Coronado, Mission Valley, Point Loma, and San Diego, California.
Our ASE-certified technicians are experienced and well versed in services for MINI, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Mercedes. Call us today for exemplary service and repair.
