What is Launch Control System in Cars and How it Works?

You can change your driving mode by just pressing a button. Each mode is calibrated for optimum traction control, altered gearing, suspension settings, throttle response, and steering. 

High performance cars have powerful engines for rapid acceleration, which can often cause excessive wheel spin and loss of control, especially when starting from a standstill. Such vehicles usually have a dedicated launch control system to prevent this from happening.

Keep scrolling to learn more about launch control in cars and their functionalities.

Launch control is an Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) mostly found in high-performance and sports cars. This feature helps drivers maintain control over the vehicle during quick acceleration from a standstill. 

This feature is designed to produce optimum power and traction to accelerate as fast as possible from a standstill. While the "Control" part emphasises safety, the main focus is acceleration.

The function of launch control is not limited to minimising wheel spin. It also aids in managing throttle, gear settings, and torque to prevent possible vehicle damage. 

A car with a launch control system has a higher chance of overheating the transmission system and over-revving the engine. This is why it is the most useful for racing cars. 

For instance, in a drag race, having a powerful engine is as important as getting off the line as fast as possible. Here, torque and horsepower play equally important roles. A launch control system focuses on both.

In simple terms, the launch control system should launch you off in the quickest and most hassle-free way possible. But the process that happens, maybe within a fraction of a minute, is not as simple as it sounds. 

• Firstly, LC ensures that there is no wheel spin. To do so, the system first detects if there is any wheel spin and distributes the power accordingly for adjustment.

• Then, it needs to ensure that the transmission doesn’t overheat and the engine doesn’t over-rev. 

• Usually, you press the brake with the left and the throttle with the right foot. 

• Once the engine revs to a predetermined limit, you let go of the brake and off you go. 

So, in a gist, the launch control system will apply as much power as possible to the wheels and initiate shifts while minimising the wheel spin. 

In most cars, activating the launch control system can be as simple as pushing a button. But, the process involves a little more than just this. After setting up the other features, the process of activation goes something like this: 

• Press on the brake and hold 

• Press down on the accelerator and hold until kicked down 

• Wait until a start flag appears on the driver information panel 

• Regulate the starting speed and RPM or revolutions per minute 

• Release the brake while regulating kick down 

• As the clutch or gear engages, your journey begins

Take a look at the following benefits of a launch control system: 

• It gives the optimal power at the beginning of the movement of a car. 

• It ensures the engine doesn't over-rev and the gearbox does not heat up.

• An LC system enhances fuel economy by eliminating unnecessary wheel spin and hop.