VSC And Your Driveway – What You Need To Know

November 16, 2023

If you have a rolled curb on your driveway, you already know that it can damage your vehicle. This can range from bent or misaligned wheels to underbody damage and even suspension issues. That’s why it’s always a good idea to use a curb ramp. But another issue that some people have is related to their Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems.

We look into why a rolled curb can cause havoc with these systems and what can be done about it.

Vehicle Stability Systems

Vehicle stability control systems have been around for decades. They go by many names: ESC, DSC, VSC, and more. Regardless of the acronym, they all refer to the electronic system that optimizes your vehicle’s traction and are:

  • Designed to limit wheelspin and improve traction
  • Mandatory in all US cars produced since 2012

It has been mandatory to include VSC in all passenger vehicles and light trucks since 2012 in the US. Also, VSC has been standard on many makes and models since well before this date.

Aside from aiding traction and stability, many modern performance vehicles have additional electronic systems that allow them to make the most of their power on slippery surfaces. These traction control systems limit wheelspin under power.

Whichever system your vehicle has, it will limit power or apply the brakes to the wheels that are either spinning or have lost traction.

Will A Rolled Curb Interfere With Your VSC?

Rolled curbs often cause a vehicle’s wheel to lift off the ground. This can sometimes trick the VSC into thinking that grip has been lost. If one wheel spins ever so slightly faster than the other three, the traction control system may kick in as well. Rolled curbs are notorious for:

  • Causing one wheel to lift off the ground – confusing the VSC
  • Triggering a warning light that needs to be reset

In most cases, the result is a flashing warning light on the dashboard. And it is an uncomfortable reminder of how much strain your vehicle goes through every time you negotiate your driveway.

However, if the vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) gets confused, you may get a permanent warning light on your dashboard. Sometimes, the warning light will reset after a few miles of normal driving. Other times, you may have to go through the hassle of having it reset at a workshop. Neither scenario is great, and it happens more often than you might think.

Avoid VSC Issues With BRIDJIT Curb Ramps

Rolled curbs are responsible for damage to vehicles all over the US. Whether you have a low-slung sports car or a big truck, regular contact with rolled curbs will eventually damage your vehicle. If it’s equipped with VSC, you may have to deal with erroneous warning lights, too.

We have compact portable curb ramps and 3-piece expandable curb ramps that can help you avoid these VSC issues. Both are constructed from recycled rubber to be durable and strong. They are heavy, making them difficult to steal, and they compress only imperceptibly under a car’s weight.

We have perfected our design over 15 years, and every curb ramp is 100% US-made and comes with an impressive 5-year warranty. Call us at 1-877-522-6611 or contact us online to order your BRIDJIT curb ramp today.