Traction control is an option on many cars today. When engaged, it "senses" when a driving tire has no traction. The system will then conpensate for this by slowing the spinning wheel through partial application of the brake. The system uses wheel speed sensors to monitor the wheel speed. When traction is lost, the sensor prompts the brake computer to partially apply the brake to the wheel that is spinning, allowing it to gain traction. I call it "Antilock brakes in reverse." This system improves traction in areas where it may normally be hard to do so (snow, gravel, and rain). Traction Control has its origins in Formula 1 Racing where optimum traction is a must for safety and maximum performance.