What is Automatic Traction Control (ATC)?
- A mechanical system that applies increased pressure to the brakes during sudden stops
- An electronic system that monitors wheel spin on acceleration and uses controlled braking to gain traction ✓
- A manual system that monitors tire wear
- A hydraulic system that lowers the vehicle to the ground to improve traction during acceleration
Answer: B. An electronic system that monitors wheel spin on acceleration and uses controlled braking to gain traction
Automatic Traction Control (ATC) is an electronic system that watches for drive-wheel spin during acceleration and applies controlled braking to regain traction.
Why this is the answer
The handbook describes ATC as an optional addition to ABS that reads the pulsating signal from the same speed sensors. When a drive wheel starts spinning instead of moving the vehicle forward, the system applies that brake and shifts power to the other side. In very slippery conditions it also cuts engine power so the wheels can grip again. That matches the description of an electronic system monitoring wheel spin on acceleration and using controlled braking to gain traction.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. A mechanical system that applies increased pressure to the brakes during sudden stops — ATC works on wheel spin during acceleration, not by adding extra brake pressure during sudden stops.
- C. A manual system that monitors tire wear — ATC is electronic and reacts to loss of traction through the wheel sensors; it does not track tire wear and is not manual.
- D. A hydraulic system that lowers the vehicle to the ground to improve traction during acceleration — The handbook describes ATC as an electronic addition to ABS that applies brakes and reduces engine power, not a hydraulic system that lowers the vehicle.
Remember it
Think of ATC as ABS's partner: ABS fights lockup when you brake, ATC fights spin when you accelerate.