Traction control on 2007 c max

[Barry_]

I am thinking of buying a 2007 c-max. The car does not have traction control-- do I need it

Will be pulling Bailey Olympus 462 =1263 MTPLM

 

[ALH]

What engine size, petrol or diesel?

Al

 

[Barry_]

2 ltr tdci

Barry

 

[ALH]

It should have Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which has a degree of traction control incorportated. But if it didn't I wouldn't be too bothered. I tow with a 2.0 C Max tdci (non DPF)(136 bhp)and it's excellent. My van is a bit lighter than yours (Ranger GT60), but it pulls as if there is nothing behind!

Al

 

[Zafiral]

From memory C-max's got std ESP from 08 my. Under normal circumstances you will not need ESP, but it will not hinder. The traction control part will reduce wheelspin, but with a little restraint when pulling away, you should be OK.

 

[Zafiral]

To add to my post as you are still looking for a car, if I was buying a car to tow, I would look for a car with ESP. In my mind you can't have too many safety devices. You should not drive relying on them to save you though as they are still restricted by the laws of physics!!

As long as you have the towbar fully wired up then the Oylmpus has ATC trailer control which is a basic ESP for caravans.

 

[Lutz]

There seems to be some confusion here between Traction Control and ESP. Although both use the same sensing devices at the wheels, they work in a totally different manner. Traction Control operates from standstill and cuts engine power when the driven axle loses traction whereas ESP compares wheel speed with vehicle speed and acts on the brakes if the two don't reconcile.

 

[ALH]

From my handbook:

The ESP supports stability when the

vehicle starts to slide away from your

intended path. This is performed by

braking individual wheels and reducing

engine torque as needed.

The system also provides an enhanced

traction control function by reducing

engine torque if the wheels spin when you

accelerate. This improves your ability to

pull away on slippery roads or loose

surfaces, and improves comfort by limiting

wheel spin in hairpin bends.