ESP® trailer stabilisation is an additional function of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and uses its sensors. Using a yaw rate sensor it recognises the movements on the vertical axis of the vehicle and initiates counteractive measures using active brake actuation. There are no additional sensors on the trailer or on the trailer coupling.

ESP® trailer stabilisation works as follows: if it recognises swerving, the wheels on the front axle are braked and the engine torque is simultaneously reduced. If there are several successive instances of actuation the thresholds are increased and the necessary brake actuation in turn becomes stronger. The stronger brake actuation can then lead to a significant reduction in vehicle speed. This serves as a warning to the driver that the trailer is swerving and indicates that the vehicle is being kept too long within the critical speed range.

Thanks to its sensitive operation the ESP® trailer stabilisation starts counteracting critical oscaillations as soon as they begin and can in many cases prevent them with gentle control interventions on the front axle – significantly increasing safety and comfort. The ESP® warning light in the instrument panel shows the driver the control invention.