Toyota’s Star Safety System
A comprehensive array of dynamic handling and braking technologies, the Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Star Safety System helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle in adverse driving conditions. VSC has been standard on all Toyota SUV’s since the 2004 model year.
Four-channel, four-sensor ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking during severe braking conditions, while EBD distributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions and load. The Brake Assist feature is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.
The VSC system helps maintain directional stability during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage. The TRAC feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. Toyota’s 4Runner 4WD models use an additional yaw sensor, a deceleration sensor, and control algorithms to deliver smoother torque on any surface, including low-range and locked center differential conditions.