What system reduces engine power to prevent wheelspin during acceleration?

The system that reduces engine power to prevent wheelspin during acceleration is traction control.

Traction control compares wheel speeds using sensors shared with the car’s anti-lock braking and stability systems. If a driven wheel spins faster than the others, the system can reduce engine torque, apply a brake to the spinning wheel, or use both actions. This helps the tire regain grip on wet, icy, snowy, or loose surfaces.

Traction control is often confused with anti-lock braking. ABS prevents wheel lock during braking, whereas traction control addresses wheelspin during acceleration. Electronic stability control is broader: it can brake individual wheels and reduce power when the vehicle begins to rotate away from the driver’s intended path.

The system cannot create grip where none exists, and drivers sometimes switch it off temporarily when rocking a vehicle out of deep snow or mud. Under normal road conditions, leaving it enabled helps limit acceleration-related loss of traction.