I didn't get an owner's manual when I bought my xB used. What's the difference? How do they differ? I can shut one of them off with a button, but is there any fuel consumption difference or other advantage to turning it off?

 

VSC will correct your car in the event of a spin. If it detects the back end swing out, it will apply the brakes systematically to straighten the car out. This cannot be easily disabled.

Traction control prevents wheel spin. It's fantastic in the snow, but otherwise, it can cause some hesitation at launch. Since you're a hypermiler, try turning Trac off for a bit, you might notice a better response when starting from a stop.

 

Thnks for the clarification. Sounds like TRAC off might be worth a try, although its effects when on are probably minimal under normal California driving conditions.

 

Trac applies brake and throttle as needed to drive wheels when the vehicle senses a wheel is slipping.

VSC applies brake and throttle as need to all four wheels when sensors determine the car is in a skid.

These are from the Toyota glossary:

Traction Control (TRAC)The sophisticated Toyota system is an all-speed design that utilizes both brake and engine throttle control. TRAC helps to avoid slippage of the driving wheels by slightly applying the brake on a slipping drive wheel and reducing the throttle to maintain traction according to the road surface conditions. The system eliminates the need for a subtle accelerator pedal operation and helps ensure vehicle control when starting or accelerating on slippery roads.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
The VSC system electronically monitors speed and direction, and compares the vehicle's direction of travel with the driver's steering, acceleration and braking inputs. VSC can help compensate for loss of traction which can cause skids. It utilizes some components shared with the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and an electronically controlled engine throttle as well as a dedicated computer and sensors providing information to the VSC system. These include a yaw rate sensor, a G-sensor and a steering angle sensor. When VSC is active, a warning beep tone and instrument panel warning light indicate that the system is functioning. In many cases, VSC reacts well before the driver is aware of a loss of traction. As with other safety technologies, such as anti-lock brakes, it is important to drive safely, since Vehicle Stability Control cannot defy the laws of physics, nor can it provide more traction than exists in a given condition.

Cheers,

MD

 

Trac Control is great when it's raining or snowing outside!

Other than that, don't need it on...