An Option You Can't Live Without

A few years ago, some European luxury cars began appearing with a significant new safety feature generally called "stability control system." The feature is now offered as standard equipment on many SUV's and as an option on many cars, mostly non-U.S. makes. If you're in the market for a new car or SUV, this is a safety feature that can easily save your life.

What is a "stability control system (SCS)?" It's the next step beyond anti-lock brakes (ABS) and traction control, both of which are currently offered as standard or as an option on many vehicles. SCS is a combination of computer, sensors, and actuators that monitor a vehicle's operational stability. If it detects that driving conditions are such that the driver could lose control of the vehicle, it intelligently manages both brakes and power to bring the vehicle back to a safe condition. This is particularly significant for SUV's which, because of their high center of gravity, have a tendency to roll over in accidents.

Auto manufacturers are not consistent in how, or if, they offer SCS on their vehicles. Ford, for example, installs it as standard equipment on SUV's, but doesn't even offer it as an option on its Crown Victoria and Ford Five Hundred. On the other hand, Toyota offers it as a $650 option on their Avalon, but not on the Camry. Even when it's available as an option, many dealers don't order it because many customers don't understand its significance and think it's too expensive.

Stability control systems have different names, depending on the carmaker. You'll see names such as Stabiltrak, Vehicle Skid Control, Electronic Stability Program, and others. However, all the systems perform the same job -- saving lives on roads and highways.