What is the Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control system (VDC) and how does it keep me safe?

Red is bad.

Many of the sensors in your Subaru were originally developed for the aerospace industry.  These sensors allow the VDC system to know exactly where you want your car to go and where it's actually going.  VDC makes sure those two places are the same!

Executive Summary:

In three words, VDC prevents skids.  When you're driving around a curve, you know where you want your car to go. Your Subaru does, too, because it has a host of sensors that monitor where your car is and where you're pointing it.  If your wheels start to move laterally, sending your car for the ditch, VDC will reduce engine power and/or apply the brakes to slow down individual wheels, pulling your car back into your intended line through the curve.  First introduced as an option in 2001, it has been standard on every Subaru since 2009. 

This one-minute video might demystify it for you:

More Detail:

VDC incorporates a host of different technologies to prevent skids and accidents.  Throw some vegetable broth in there and you'll have alphabet soup. 

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): In situations such as a vehicle losing control due to unexpected understeer or oversteer, individual brakes are applied, engine power is reduced and torque distribution is shifted to regain vehicle stability, therefore aiding driver control.
• Traction Control System (TCS): Reduces engine power to minimize wheel slip.
• TCS Limited Slip Device (LSD): Transfers power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip to help maintain traction and control.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Providing significant driver assistance in minimizing stopping distance and maintaining vehicle control under brakes. ABS maintains control to enable the driver to steer around obstacles and reduce stopping distances.
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): Is the electronic control of braking pressure to the front and rear wheels all the time.
• Brake Assist: Is a driver assistance system that works to minimize stopping distances in emergency situations by ensuring stopping power is maximized.

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