WHAT IS AN OBD II CONNECTION? 

OBD stands for On- Board Diagnostics 

Most 1996 and newer vehicles have standardized computer systems (also known as OBDII) that continually monitor the electronic sensors of engines and emission control systems, including the catalytic converter, while the vehicle is being driven to ensure they are working as designed.  

The OBD II connection would typically be found under the steering wheel area or in the passenger footwell. The OBD II connection is used for the diagnostic machine to connect to, thus enabling access to the On Board Computer (ECU) for the purposes of fault analysis, software updates etc. 

WHAT IS ASR? 

ASR - Anti Slip Regulations 

Is a secondary safety feature that works with the Anti-Lock Braking System, or ABS, on cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles. Also called Traction Control System, or TCS, the ASR helps prevent the vehicle’s wheels from losing traction by using an electro-hydraulic system that controls the engine and brakes in adverse road conditions or if the driver uses excessive acceleration and the wheels slip on the pavement.  

ASR helps correct driver error in adverse road conditions. Drivers may use excessive acceleration when road conditions are poor, causing the wheels to slip and the vehicle to fishtail or hydroplane on wet pavement. It may cause tractor-trailer rigs to jackknife, particularly on steep grades and when carrying lighter loads. ASR helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle. ASR stops the spinning wheel by maintaining tractive power and limiting acceleration. Most vehicles have an indicator light to warn the driver of slippery conditions. 

HOW DOES ESP WORK? 

ESP - Electronic Stability Programme 

If your vehicle has ESP on-board, it provides you with two other active safety systems: the Anti-lock Braking System ABS and the Traction Control System TCS.  

ABS prevents the wheels from locking during braking; TCS prevents the wheels from spinning when starting off and accelerating.  

While ABS and TCS intervene on a vehicle’s longitudinal dynamics, ESP additionally improves the lateral dynamics, thus ensuring stable driving in all directions.  
• ABS (Anti-lock Breaking System)  
• TCS (Traction Control System)  

ESP – Different names for the same Safety benefit  

80% of vehicle manufacturers in Europe use the Acronym ESP for the Electronic Stability Program.  

Some car makers market the ESP under different names, such as:-  
• DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)  
• VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist)  
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)  
• VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)  
• EVSC (Electronic Vehicle Stability Control)  
• VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)  

The functionality and operation of the ESP, as well as the gain it provides in driving safety, is the same.