How essential is ABS for your vehicle?
Monday, February 23rd, 2009Planning to buy a new car with ABS (Anti-lock Braking system) – but not sure about ABS’s functionality?
The following article will guide you to understand it better.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking system) is a safety mechanism which prevents the wheel or wheels on a vehicle from locking while putting brakes. ABS can help you in any type of weather condition; you can now have an optimized control of the vehicle even while driving on ice.
It uses speed wheel sensors, hydraulic control unit, and a computerized electronic control module, which is the “intelligence” of the system.
Whenever the brake pedal is applied, the electronic control module detects if one or more wheels are going to lock up, then it signals the hydraulic unit to control pressure to that particular wheel which is going to lock. This variation of pressure is something like pumping the brake, with ABS arrangement.
This advance technology of ABS only controls the wheel or wheels that are getting locked, by leaving the others to freely roll up which increases the vehicle’s stability while braking in an emergency.
Sometimes we just slam on the brakes in any situation. This can be a good option to work with ABS, but not always the best. If sudden braking is applied (also with ABS system) it can cause loss of control on the vehicle, which can be more dangerous. So it’s always advisable to brake properly if you want to drive with safety and control. ABS system also functions as a tracking control system while accelerating the vehicle. While accelerating, the tire looses traction; at this moment ABS controller can detect it and take suitable action to regain the traction.
How to use ABS braking system? You need to apply steady and continuous pressure while putting the brakes without taking off your foot until the vehicle is stopped. This may take longer than average time to stop the car but it will be a safe one. Avoid giving sudden pressures on the brake paddle. While putting ABS brakes it is normal if you hear some extra noise and there could also be some vibration on the brake paddle. Here are some common observations which many people have reported while putting ABS:
- You can hear some groaning noise
- A rapid pulsing can be observed on brake pedal
- Brake pedal can drop periodically or can become hard
- An indicator for Low Traction not required check
You may also confuse this noise with ‘brake squeal’. If your brakes squeal at normal braking then there could be some other issue with your brake pads. You need to check the same with your vehicle’s mechanic immediately.
Using ABS can be a wonderful braking experience, but always follow the above mentioned tips to avoid any hassles.
Keep in mind: When In Doubt, Check It Out!
