Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
A must-have safety item, now standard-fit on all new cars sold in the EU.
ABS stops excessive pedal pressure from locking the wheels during panic braking, enables you to brake and steer at the same time and can radically reduce stopping distances, especially in the wet. These days, ABS usually incorporates EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and Brake Assist, which keeps the braking pressure even and maintains the braking force in an emergency stop situation.
Mechanical, hydraulically driven anti-lock systems were under development as early as the 20s, a Dunlop set-up appearing in the Fergusson P99 race car, Jensen FF road car and experimental Fords in the late 60s. However, the electronic system used today was developed by Bosch and first fitted in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 1978 and the first car to have ABS as standard in all versions, worldwide, was the 1985 Ford Granada.
A must-have safety item, now standard-fit on all new cars sold in the EU.
ABS stops excessive pedal pressure from locking the wheels during panic braking, enables you to brake and steer at the same time and can radically reduce stopping distances, especially in the wet. These days, ABS usually incorporates EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and Brake Assist, which keeps the braking pressure even and maintains the braking force in an emergency stop situation.
Mechanical, hydraulically driven anti-lock systems were under development as early as the 20s, a Dunlop set-up appearing in the Fergusson P99 race car, Jensen FF road car and experimental Fords in the late 60s. However, the electronic system used today was developed by Bosch and first fitted in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 1978 and the first car to have ABS as standard in all versions, worldwide, was the 1985 Ford Granada.
Electric stability control (ESP)
An electronic system, usually integrated into the ABS, which monitors yaw (the angle and direction in which the vehicle is travelling) and the steering wheel angle to assess stability. If it detects that the car is skidding or becoming unstable, it then cuts the throttle or applies braking pressure to individual wheels to re-establish control.
Another life-saver, and becoming a cause celebre for safety campaigners, ESP is particularly important in vehicles with a high centre of gravity, such as 4x4s, and there are calls to make it compulsory-fit. Developed by Bosch, first fitted in the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series in 1996.
An electronic system, usually integrated into the ABS, which monitors yaw (the angle and direction in which the vehicle is travelling) and the steering wheel angle to assess stability. If it detects that the car is skidding or becoming unstable, it then cuts the throttle or applies braking pressure to individual wheels to re-establish control.
Another life-saver, and becoming a cause celebre for safety campaigners, ESP is particularly important in vehicles with a high centre of gravity, such as 4x4s, and there are calls to make it compulsory-fit. Developed by Bosch, first fitted in the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series in 1996.
Power-assisted steering
The 1951 Chrysler Imperial had a new feature called Hydraguide, the first hydraulically-assisted steering system.
Power steering has traditionally consisted of an engine-driven pump that pressurises hydraulic fluid according to the engine speed and steering wheel angle, reducing the effort needed to turn the wheel. It's of particular benefit at low speeds and when parking or attempting tight manoeuvres – a factor not lost on Fiat, which marketed its last-gen Punto supermini on the basis of its 'girlie button', which gave the option of selecting extra assistance for super-light steering.
Electrical 'steer-by-wire', rather than hydraulic, systems are now increasingly common, however, with subjective feelings such as steering feedback artificially created.
The 1951 Chrysler Imperial had a new feature called Hydraguide, the first hydraulically-assisted steering system.
Power steering has traditionally consisted of an engine-driven pump that pressurises hydraulic fluid according to the engine speed and steering wheel angle, reducing the effort needed to turn the wheel. It's of particular benefit at low speeds and when parking or attempting tight manoeuvres – a factor not lost on Fiat, which marketed its last-gen Punto supermini on the basis of its 'girlie button', which gave the option of selecting extra assistance for super-light steering.
Electrical 'steer-by-wire', rather than hydraulic, systems are now increasingly common, however, with subjective feelings such as steering feedback artificially created.
Traction control
First seen in the 1987 Merc S-Class and BMW 7-Series, this device detects wheelspin and cuts power or applies pulse braking to the offending wheel in order to regain grip, or traction. An essential component in channeling vast amounts of power via the front wheels, for example; besides the basic safety benefits, it's rendered a lot of fun but inherently flawed vehicles far more driveable. However, its application in Formula One is an entirely different story...
First seen in the 1987 Merc S-Class and BMW 7-Series, this device detects wheelspin and cuts power or applies pulse braking to the offending wheel in order to regain grip, or traction. An essential component in channeling vast amounts of power via the front wheels, for example; besides the basic safety benefits, it's rendered a lot of fun but inherently flawed vehicles far more driveable. However, its application in Formula One is an entirely different story...
Warning lights
One upon a time, your first indication that your engine was overheating was steam gushing from the radiator cap. Running out of petrol? You spluttered to a halt. Running out of oil? Engine just went bang.
No-expenses-spared racing cars – and the first planes – quickly gained warning dials and gauges to give the driver/pilot some idea of the state of his machinery, although it was a long time before mainstream passenger cars had anything more than basic oil pressure and fuel level gauges, if that. By the end of the 60s, though, even the tiniest of city cars had a comprehensive bank of instruments and flashing lights, and a rev counter was a must in anything remotely sporting.
These days, we have lights and audible warnings to tell us if a door is ajar, if seatbelts remain unfastened, if we have selected reverse gear, if a car is approaching our blind spot – and even, in the case of the new Honda Civic, if we have exceeded 30mph (bleep!) or 70mph (bleep!). Information overload or just plain irritating?
One upon a time, your first indication that your engine was overheating was steam gushing from the radiator cap. Running out of petrol? You spluttered to a halt. Running out of oil? Engine just went bang.
No-expenses-spared racing cars – and the first planes – quickly gained warning dials and gauges to give the driver/pilot some idea of the state of his machinery, although it was a long time before mainstream passenger cars had anything more than basic oil pressure and fuel level gauges, if that. By the end of the 60s, though, even the tiniest of city cars had a comprehensive bank of instruments and flashing lights, and a rev counter was a must in anything remotely sporting.
These days, we have lights and audible warnings to tell us if a door is ajar, if seatbelts remain unfastened, if we have selected reverse gear, if a car is approaching our blind spot – and even, in the case of the new Honda Civic, if we have exceeded 30mph (bleep!) or 70mph (bleep!). Information overload or just plain irritating?