Understanding Traction and Stability Control

Understanding Traction and Stability Control - Motorwerkes - BMW Service Calgary

With rainier weather, wet leaves, and eventually ice and snow, the next few months call for a close look at some of BMW’s technologies for safer, more effective driving. Traction control and stability control are two perfect examples.

Dynamic Stability Control

The acronyms may be similar, but DSC and DTC are actually two different but related technologies implemented in your BMW. In fact, one can be considered as contained within the other. Dynamic Stability Control is the “brain” of your chassis that helps to improve safety and greater control in loose, wet, or rough road conditions. It is constantly receiving information from all over your vehicle through sensors, from the speeds of each wheel to lateral acceleration, yaw, gas pedal and steering input, and more. By monitoring all of this information and calculating them against a simulated ideal model, it’s capable of correcting your steering, brake pressure, and even engine power.

Dynamic Traction Control

Meanwhile, in many models, Dynamic Traction Control is a component of DSC that specializes in optimizing traction. It does so by closely monitoring your wheels and becoming active when it detects that loss of traction has occurred, such as on a wet road. While DSC works its magic by reducing engine power and autonomously applying brake force if necessary, DTC mostly gets the job done by allowing for a small but effective amounts of wheel slip and spin while collaborating with your DSC system to keep you in control. The combination of both systems is particularly useful when accelerating from a stop, rocking your vehicle out of a sticky situation, or going uphill in slippery conditions.

In Use

DSC is an integral part of your BMW, allowing for safe and precise driving in a wide range of conditions. As such, it’s activated by default. Turning it off is outlined in your manual, but this is generally not recommended, especially during fall and winter. Meanwhile, DTC usually needs to be switched on via a button on your dash. It’s highly important to maintain a balance between recognizing how well-engineered these systems are while not relying on them too heavily. You should utilize and trust them when they’re needed, but no technology is a substitute for smart and safe driving!

Traction, stability, and skilled driving are important year-round, but they’re particularly relevant this time of year. Keep your BMW in solid, safe condition with a detailed inspection. Call Motorwerkes at (403) 768-3167 to make an appointment!

A Brief History of the BMW

A Brief History of the BMW - Motorwerkes - BMW Repair Experts Calgary

You may have read our blog recounting the history of the famous BMW roundel. There is, however, always more to a company than its logo. As experts on the work of such a time-tested brand, we’re always eager to dig into its past and find out more. Here’s how it all started.

Early Origins

For much of World War I, German mechanical engineer Karl Rapp operated Rapp Motorenwerke, one of the central military aircraft engine manufacturers in the German state of Bavaria. With the arrival of a new engineer named Max Friz, Rapp Motorenwerke designed the groundbreaking IVa engine that would radically change the shape and reputation of the company. Rapp resigned in 1916 and the manufacturer was eventually restructured and merged with two others to form Bayerische Motoren Werke (Bavarian Motor Works).

Branching Out

The end of World War I had a significant effect on the newly-formed BMW company. A clause in the Treaty of Versailles restricting German aircraft engineering meant that the design of other technologies was necessary. After further restructuring and a change of logo in the early ‘20s, BMW built its first complete vehicle: the R32 motorcycle, establishing the boxer-twin shaft-drive powertrain layout that BMW still uses today. In 1928, they produced their first automobile, the Dixi, and less than a decade later introduced the famous 328. This model redefined the sports car and made automotive history. BMW grew to become a global-scale company in the early ‘70s, founded its Research and Innovation Centre in 1990, and has remained at the forefront of vehicle design and engineering since.

Toward the Future

With nearly a century of production to their name, the future of automotive design holds interesting prospects for BMW. Demand for electric mobility and other sustainable technologies is creating a complex new chapter in the company’s history. Focus these days is on increased efficiency and decreased carbon footprint in the product lifecycle, including recycled materials, lightweight construction, and the continued development of bivalent hydrogen/gasoline engines. From the innovative IVa aircraft engine to the hydrogen-based car of the future, things have certainly come a long way.

Whether it’s a simple repair or an impressive performance upgrade, we at MotorWerkes believe your BMW should be in the hands of a team that loves it as much as you do! To find out what we can do for your vehicle, feel free to get in touch with us at (403) 453-0269.