The dynamic stability control (DSC) works by transferring engine power, throttle and applying brake during times of traction loss, correct?

So, if you turn it off and risk driving - omg, a not sooooo powerful car - as sooooo many before us have driven cars for decades without such assistive devices, does it actually prolong the life of the car's brakes?

 

DSC works more like cutting off the engine power and applying brakes to the needed rotor to prevent you from slipping and sliding. I don't think they apply power...

 

I don't think DSC has any effect on brake pad life / wear / etc., unless you're literally going around constantly setting it off by driving like a jack@#$.

 

isn't this why DSC was created? b/c they are so many jack$#%% drivers who apparently can't drive a car that can't compensate for human stupidity

 

we don't have access to four wheel individual braking. The applications of DSC systems to brakes are pretty light and rare interventions. Technically, this does represent increased wear, but I'd hazard to say that the delta is close to unmeasureable.

The DSC break application is to change weight distribution such that the traction of individual tires is changed and the car will make it around turns or through emergency manuvers without spinning or going off line.

Matt

 

You don't need to drive like a jack a$$ to set of the DSC. Snow, rain can set of the DSC when you accelerate. Bad tires can set it off. A number of things can set it off...though driving like a jack a$$ tends to set it off more.

 

first, a shameless plug for ian c's auto up/dcs off. dsc off is my personal preference....but i do put it on when in the snow/ice.

second, i couldn't believe what a hinderence the dsc is on the track....i remember once not being able to catch a miata for laps before i noticed the dsc was on (this was prior to ian's circuit)....turned it off and viola...presto chango! it's gotta cost at least 3-4 seconds/lap on thunderbird/lightning

lastly, to the op, i too doubt much effect on brake wear....so let your inner jacka$$ out!!

last lastly, i absolutely love that ac schnitzer body kit!

 

i figured it was very minimal wear at all, but i'm a firm believer in there's no dumb question.

and thanks, i love the ac kit also (and the fact that i haven't seen another mini anywhere that looks like mine) - although i would be inclined to either powdercoat the wheels black or swap them out for a black set (never really been a huge fan of the color matched wheels).

 

Running the Autobahn at 120 kph in the middle lane when an Italian that was going to the world cup fell asleep and veered towards me. I jerked the wheel hard right to avoid being hit (no traffic around me) as he followed me into the far right lane I went to the shoulder. I hit some gravel and the car started to lose traction. DSC kicked in and dropped the power allowing the other wheels to stay in control. By this time the Italian woke up and started to drive again but I was still trying to get the car back on the road. He cleared my lane (at this time it was the shoulder) and I was able to safely pull over.

DSC saved my butt. Not because I was a jack@$# but because someone else was. It is useful and it does work. That being said, you don't want it on the track.

There is only wear on pads when it is on (flashing) and that is more like a slight pump of the brakes.