The slipping wheel will spin-up and take power away from the other drive wheel. Even on a level area that is slippery, one drive wheel will break traction and spin-up. A soft surface such as snow, mud or sand will cause the spinning wheel to sink itself in deeper and deeper causing the vehicle to get stuck. Aside from the inconvenience and annoyance of getting stuck, safety issues include becoming stranded, risking injury while trying to free the vehicle, and increasing the chance of having an accident. Greater traction makes the important safety difference in avoiding getting stuck and enjoying better vehicle control when driving.
Traction is also important for outdoor enjoyment and recreation.
Whether you want your muscle car to lay two stripes when coming off the line, are trying to get your family to their favorite skiing spot, or are getting ready for a weekend of recreational off-roading, hunting, or fishing, you need traction. This century-old technology delivers virtually all the engine power to the wheel that begins to slip first. Because the wheel that begins to slip has the lowest amount of traction and because all the power is delivered to that slipping wheel, there is insufficient power applied to the non-slipping wheel to adequately propel the vehicle. Although open differentials work adequately on ideal driving surfaces, they perform poorly under adverse traction conditions. Electronic Traction Control Electronic traction control senses for wheel spin and triggers when detected.