I just bought an '08 and have a question about the stability control. Is this a behind the scenes thing, or does it flash/beep at you when it kicks in? I've been having some fun getting to know the car. When I start pushing harder I want to know if the car's reactions are real or if the VSC is kicking in. In our Prius in the snow the traction conrtol was beeping and flashing all over the place.

My last car was a 1995 MR2 that I can proudly say I have had forwards, sideways, backwards, and sometimes forwards again. I try and keep that business on the track.

 

It flashes a bright yellow ! (danger) symbol, when active. Note when you turn the VSA off, this same symbol is permantly illumunated. Try driving with it on and off, in a safe enviornment like track or autocross and you could truely tell the differnce.

 

When it kicks in I'm usually too busy to watch the dash. I can feel it understeer me a bit, an unnatural car reaction. It would be interesting to have a beep (it doesn't) to see if I'm exercising it more than I think.

 

Idk i personaly drive with it off at all times

 

I only turn it off during autocross, for regular driving it doesn't make sense to turn it off. Never know when something will creep up on you. Anyhow, I can definitely tell when VSA kicks in. If you are doing a violent manuever, you'll feel the braking & fuel cutting from the engine. You'll be in a hard turn & then feel a sudden jerk from the system activating & get understeer/slow down.