The ABS system has revolutionized car safety by preventing the wheels from locking during braking, reducing the risk of skidding and consequently road accidents.
In this article, explore everything you need to know about this system, including what the light on means and how to properly maintain it.
What Is The ABS System?
ABS is an anti-lock braking system designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking.
This system maintains control of the vehicle’s steering, preventing skidding and reducing braking distance on slippery roads.
What Is The Function Of The ABS System?
The function of the ABS system is to prevent the wheels from locking when braking, allowing the driver to maintain control of the steering.
This system is especially useful in adverse conditions, such as wet or icy roads, where the risk of skidding is higher.
What Are The Components Of The ABS System?
The main components of this system are:
- Wheel Speed Sensors: monitor the rotation of the wheels;
- Electronic Control Module: processes sensor information and adjusts braking;
- Pressure Control Valves: regulate the hydraulic pressure in the brakes;
- ABS Brake Pump: restores pressure to the brakes after an ABS activation.
How Does The ABS System Work?
ABS system in car works via speed sensors in the vehicle’s wheels.
When a sensor detects that a wheel is turning slower than the car, it sends a signal to the control unit. This, in turn, communicates with the ABS system, which realizes the need to intervene to restore traction.
The control unit then actuates the brake hydraulics, causing the disc brake to activate and deactivate quickly. This process lasts only fractions of a second and causes a slight vibration in the brake pedal, a sign that the ABS is working.
In the end, the vehicle regains stability and continues to brake safely, avoiding skidding.
What Is The ABS System Response Time?
The response time of this system is around one thousandth of a second.
What Is The Difference Between ABS And ESP?
While ABS acts on all wheels simultaneously, the ESP system (Electronic Stability Control) can brake each wheel independently.
The ESP system starts when it detects that the vehicle is skidding on a curve.
It detects which wheels need more traction to regain stability and ensure safe driving.
Is ABS System Mandatory?
The mandatory nature of the ABS may depend on each country. For example, all vehicles sold in the European Union are currently required to have ABS.
What Advantages Does An ABS Automatic Locking Device Offer?
The ABS system is an essential innovation for automobile safety, as it guarantees greater control and stability when braking.
Its main advantages include:
1. Greater Control Of The Vehicle’s Steering
It prevents the wheels from locking during sudden braking, allowing the driver to maintain control of the steering.
Without this system, the wheels could skid, making it impossible to avoid obstacles.
2. Reducing Braking Distance
Although ABS does not directly reduce braking distance in all situations, it is more effective on wet or slippery surfaces.
By preventing the wheels from locking, it optimizes ground grip and improves braking efficiency.
3. Preventing Skidding And Accidents
Loss of traction is one of the biggest risks when braking suddenly. ABS minimizes this problem by reducing the probability of skidding, especially on curves or wet roads.
4. Reduced Tire Wear
By preventing sudden braking with wheel lock-up, this system contributes to more uniform tire wear, extending their service life and ensuring safer and more economical driving.
5. Greater Effectiveness In Adverse Conditions
Whether on wet, snowy or icy surfaces, this system maintains the vehicle’s stability, significantly reducing the risk of losing control.
What Is The Most Common Cause Of The ABS Light To Come On?
The light on only indicates that the component should be checked as soon as possible.
A system reset or cleaning of the ABS sensor may be enough to turn the light off.
What Should Be Checked On The ABS System?
For this system to work properly, it must be checked:
- Cleaning the sensors;
- Brake pad wear;
- The level of the brake fluid;
- Brake disc wear.
The bad state of conservation of this system’s components can make it difficult for it to function when sudden braking is required.
As such, the system should be checked at the car’s regular maintenance appointments, as this is the only way to check for errors in all the vehicle’s electronic systems.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad ABS Unit?
Like any automotive component, this system can fail.
Identifying faults early helps to avoid serious braking problems. You should therefore pay attention to the following signs:
1. ABS Light On The Dashboard
The most obvious sign of an ABS fault is the light on the dashboard.
If it stays on, it means that the system has detected a fault and may be inoperative.
2. Less Responsive Brakes
If you notice that the brakes take longer to respond or require more pressure on the pedal, it could be an indication of ABS problems.
3. Unusual Vibration When Braking
A slight vibration in the brake pedal is normal when the ABS comes into action.
However, if you feel intense knocks or strange noises when braking, this may indicate faults in the sensors or in the control unit.
4. Wheels Locking Up During Braking
If the wheels lock up during hard braking, it means that the system is not working properly, eliminating the system’s main advantage: skid prevention.
5. Loss Of Stability When Braking
ABS helps maintain vehicle stability during emergency braking.
If you feel that the car skids or runs off course when braking, this could be a sign of a fault in the system’s sensors or pump.
How Is The ABS System Maintained?
To avoid future breakdowns in this system, it is essential to carry out preventive maintenance.
The main checks should include:
- Inspection of the speed sensors;
- Checking the brake fluid;
- Reading error codes with an OBD2 scanner.
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