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What Is ABS and How Does It Work

ABS prevents wheels from locking up during heavy braking by continuously monitoring wheel speed and applying and releasing brake pressure as needed to maintain traction. Each wheel has a sensor and the system pulses the brakes faster than a human can to keep the wheels rotating just below the lock-up point. While ABS helps maintain control during emergency braking, it does not necessarily shorten stopping distance.

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142 views

What Is ABS and How Does It Work

ABS prevents wheels from locking up during heavy braking by continuously monitoring wheel speed and applying and releasing brake pressure as needed to maintain traction. Each wheel has a sensor and the system pulses the brakes faster than a human can to keep the wheels rotating just below the lock-up point. While ABS helps maintain control during emergency braking, it does not necessarily shorten stopping distance.

Uploaded by

fabiobonadia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is ABS and how does it work?

confused.com/on-the-road/gadgets-tech/what-is-abs

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) comes as a standard safety feature in


all modern cars. But how does it work?

ABS in action

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Even if you’re an experienced driver, unexpected trouble sometimes can get in the way. In
an attempt to avoid imminent collision or danger on the road ahead, you may find
yourself jumping on the brake.

This is where the anti-lock braking system (ABS) comes in. It prevents the wheels from
locking up and helps them maintain grip with the road below.

ABS was first introduced as an anti-skid system for aircraft use in the 1950s. And in the
1970s, Ford and Chrysler proved that it can also be used in cars.

Anti-lock braking systems are now present in all modern cars sold in Europe.

How does it work?

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ABS is part of an overall stability system, commonly known as electronic stability control,
which monitors wheels’ under heavy braking. Each wheel has a sensor attached to it.

If the intelligent sensors detect that a wheel is about to lock up and stop moving, the
system will release the brake. The release is only for a moment.

ABS then continuously and repeatedly applies optimum braking pressure to each wheel,
meaning the system will brake just enough to not lock the wheels.

When ABS is active you may feel pulsation through the brake pedal as you’re pressing it.
The anti-lock system helps the driver remain in control of the vehicle rather than bringing
the car to a stop.

It reduces the risk of skidding even when undertaking excessive evasive manoeuvres. This
is why it’s important to remember that the car’s braking distance may increase.

So, if you keep driving ahead straight into an obstacle, the car may not stop in time even if
your instincts dictate otherwise. It’s a common misconception that ABS helps reducing
stopping distance.

How effective is it?


Certain older models can be bought without ABS, and some people do prefer not having
it. But it's a very effective safety feature:

Cars fitted with ABS are less likely be involved in a fatal crash.

ABS decreases the chance of frontal collision on wet and dry roads.

Cars with ABS rarely stray from the road ahead.

It’s worth keeping in mind that ABS works best on solid stable surfaces, and your
experience on ice, snow or gravel can be different.

What if my car doesn’t have ABS?

If you drive an older car, or your motor develops a fault and ABS stops working, you can
simulate the system by applying the brake and releasing it repeatedly.

No driver can brake as fast and as cadence as the system but it will still help you remain in
control.

First published on the 27th of April 2016

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