Comparing Truck Traction Controls

One of the demos set up at the Milford Proving Ground let us compare the different methods of traction control among full-size trucks. The white area of pavement had water running over it so that we could position the truck's left or right-side tires on the wet area, and run the other side of the vehicle on dry pavement. When we accelerated, the tires on the wet portion of the track would spin. We could see and feel how each truck's systems attempted to overcome the problem.

Test trucks had different systems for controlling traction: limited slip differentials, electronic traction control, and GM's automatic locking rear differential. This was a GM event, so it's not difficult to guess which trucks handled the hill best. The GM differential works real well, with smooth engagement and disengagement and no noticeable jerking, excessive noise or other negative side effects.