What is Electronic Stability Control (ESC)? Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a system of sensors, actuators, and computers that uses automatic braking of individual wheels to prevent the heading from changing too quickly (spinning out) or not quickly enough (plowing out). ESC does not increase the available vehicle traction, but maximizes the possibility of keeping the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by using the driver’s natural reaction of steering in the intended direction.