Vehicle Dynamic Control or VDC - This is what will save your life

Everything in your car is well-thought-out. Although most of the exterior details are for aesthetic purposes, a lot of the details, in general, are purely functional.

That includes the small icons on your dash like the VDC light. Today, we’ll be discussing everything that you need to know about it. We will also be including some extra notes on other dash lights that you also need to pay attention to.

But first, let’s figure out what exactly VDC means, what it does, what it signals you to do, and how you should react when it turns on. Continue reading this article from Philkotse.com. 

What is the VDC?

The term VDC is an acronym for the words Vehicle Dynamic Control. You can recognize the VDC button by looking for what looks to be a silhouette of a car and a wavy trail behind it.

In most cars, this will light up in yellow. In some cases, it’s the letters VDC printed on a button. You can find this on the dash or sometimes right next to the gauges behind the steering wheel.

The term VDC is an acronym for the words Vehicle Dynamic Control

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What is the VDC System?

If your car has Vehicle Dynamic Control, you will want to make the most out of it. This is a system that utilizes the various sensors in your car to monitor the driver’s inputs. 

This also takes into consideration the vehicle’s state and motion. In particular, driving conditions, the vehicle dynamic control system will control the vehicle.

For example, the vehicle somehow was steered in the wrong direction. The VDC system will control the engine output and braking to help the driver stay on the path.

When the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is in operation, another indicator on your instrument panel will blink. This is the SLIP indicator. This particular icon lights up once it detects that the traction control is malfunctioning.

This simply means that the road may be slippery. On these occasions, make sure you adjust your driving and speed to better get through these road conditions. In simpler terms, the traction control function is most likely canceled if these particular indicator lights are on.

If your car has Vehicle Dynamic Control, you will want to make the most out of it

What happens when the vehicle dynamic control system is turned off?

If your vehicle is on the move while the VDC system is turned off using the dedicated VDC off switch, the VDC and traction control functions are turned off. The SLIP indicator will then flash if it detects that wheel spin is happening.

The anti-lock braking system will then kick in with the vehicle dynamic control off. While the vehicle dynamic control is in operation, you may feel a slight pulsing feeling coming from the brake pedal.

You may also hear vibrations or some kind of noise coming from under your car’s hood. This is a normal reaction of your car and actually means that your VDC system is working just fine.

If your vehicle is on the move while the VDC system is turned off using the dedicated VDC off switch

The computer in your vehicle has built-in diagnostic systems that can test other systems every time you start the engine. This happens all over again every time you direct the vehicle forward.

The same happens when you hit reverse but at a low speed. When the self-test is happening, you will most likely hear a clunking or pulse-like disruption from your brake pedal.

A lot of first-time users see this as a malfunction. But this is actually an indication that your VDC is working just fine.

You can recognize the VDC button by looking for what looks to be a silhouette of a car and a wavy trail behind it

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What else is there to keep in mind about the VDC?

Asides from the information listed above, there are other concerns that every driver should know. This should highly require your attention, especially if you drive a vehicle with a VDC system.

Take into consideration our warnings below so you can better maneuver your VDC-equipped vehicle:

First off, the vehicle dynamic system is engineered to help drivers improve the driving stability of the car while driving. This, however, does not prevent accidents from happening.

Take into consideration our warnings below so you can better maneuver your VDC-equipped vehicle

For example, if you are driving at extremely high speeds or there is an abrupt change in steering operation, you shouldn’t expect your vehicle’s VDC system to maneuver you out of an accident.

Slow down if you think you’re driving too fast and be extra careful when going into corners. Be wary of slippery surfaces, and always pay attention to the road.

Avoid modifying your vehicle’s suspension. Vehicle manufacturers design their products to be in the best state it could be while delivering all the purposes it’s supposed to serve.

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Avoid modifying your vehicle’s suspension

If you tinker with these systems and alter their original programming, they do not function properly. This can become a cause for accidents to happen.

Always check the vehicle parts that are related to your brakes. Brake parts, including rotors, calipers, and brake pads, are not in good shape.

The vehicle dynamic control can fail to operate properly. The same can happen if these brake parts are replaced with non-standard parts.

When you’re driving on highly inclined surfaces like banked corners, the Vehicle Dynamic System may also fail to work properly. The VDC off light may also turn on. So as much as possible, avoid driving on extremely inclined roads and streets.

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As much as possible, avoid driving on extremely inclined roads and streets

When you drive on an unstable surface like a ferry, ramp, or a turntable, you may notice the VDC off light turn on. This isn’t a glitch. Restart your engine once you reach a stable surface.

If you use tires or wheels that are different than the recommended ones, the VCD may also fail to work properly. This can also lead the Vehicle Dynamic Control off icon to light up.