Volvo Trucks has further optimized the Dynamic Steering. The new generation of VDS has been developed to detect tire damage on the front axle at an early stage and actively support drivers in keeping the truck on a stable course.
Less Steering Effort Required
The effects of a sudden loss of air pressure should be mitigated by reducing the resulting lateral forces. The manufacturer cites the reduction of required steering force at low speeds by up to 75 percent as an advantage of the Volvo Dynamic Steering.
This could especially relieve truck drivers on long journeys. The first generation of VDS was introduced in 2013.
“A burst tire can cause a truck to suddenly lose control or even tip over—with potentially fatal consequences. This innovation increases safety for both drivers and all other road users,” explains Anna Wrige Berling, Director Traffic Safety at Volvo Trucks.
In the event of a burst tire on the front axle, a sudden pressure release could cause the front wheels to spin and make
the vehicle unstable—at worst, there is a risk of tipping over or veering off the road.
Without a supportive steering system, the driver would have to react in a split second and maintain control to avoid an accident. The new system responds immediately when it detects a pressure loss—even before it becomes noticeable.
Physical Relief
VDS is intended to provide support not only in emergency situations such as tire damage but also in everyday situations to relieve stress, ease maneuvering at different speeds and road conditions, improve steering control, and contribute to vehicle stability.
Occupational health risks for truck drivers include physical strain and fatigue—with the neck, back, and shoulders particularly affected—due to hours of sitting in the same position and vibrations. Moreover, continuous minor steering corrections must be made to adjust to changing road conditions.
Dynamic Steering is designed to reduce vibrations in the steering wheel and automatically adjust steering support to the respective road conditions.
A new service, recently introduced as part of Volvo Connect, is also
intended to contribute to traffic safety: it will automatically limit the speed of trucks in previously individually defined geographic zones, such as parking or maneuvering areas.
It is supported by something called geofencing. The Volvo Connect Positioning Service is required for this. The system, as well as the optimized VDS, is available for the Volvo FH, FH Aero, FMX, FM, and the new FM Low Entry models.
According to the manufacturer, Volvo Dynamic Steering can:
- detect and automatically compensate unwanted steering impulses
- detect skidding tendencies early and support with gentle counter-steering
- warn of unintentional lane departure through gentle counter-steering and vibrations
- compensate for road surface irregularities and reduce vibrations in the steering wheel
- reduce physical strain on the back, neck, and shoulders through fewer necessary steering corrections
Stable in the Lane
According to the manufacturer, the system reduces the necessary steering force by about 75 percent at low speeds, which is advantageous when reversing and during precise maneuvering. At higher speeds, VDS ensures that the truck remains stable in
its lane, even on uneven surfaces or in strong crosswinds.
The steering wheel automatically centers itself once the driver releases their grip. The technology is based on the truck's hydraulic power steering, which is supplemented by an electronically controlled electric motor that continuously adjusts the steering and provides additional steering force when needed.
According to Volvo Trucks, VDS is available in combination with the stability assistant, which is designed to support gentle steering corrections in the event of a skid risk and thus stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, the system can be combined with the lane-keeping assistant.
Another system based on VDS is the Pilot Assist, whose function is to continuously monitor the truck's position on the road, provide active steering support, and maintain the distance to the vehicle ahead.
Customization Options
The Volvo Dynamic Steering is individually adjustable using personal settings. Thus, the steering resistance and responsiveness can be tailored to personal preferences and driving situations. One can choose from various pre-set profiles that provide optimal steering support for
