Can ABS cause side skidding during emergency braking when steering?
2 Answers
ABS can cause side skidding during emergency braking when steering. The following is an introduction about ABS: ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. During vehicle braking, it automatically controls the braking force to prevent wheel lock-up, keeping the wheels in a state of rolling and sliding (with a slip ratio of about 20%) to ensure maximum adhesion between the wheels and the road surface. Working principle: The system monitors the speed of each wheel in real-time through wheel speed sensors. When a wheel shows a tendency to lock up, the system responds immediately by reducing the braking force on that wheel to prevent impending lock-up.
The ABS system does allow you to steer to avoid obstacles during emergency braking, but the steering maneuver itself can potentially induce skidding, primarily because it cannot completely eliminate wheel slippage on the road surface. When ABS is activated during braking, the wheels are prevented from locking up by the anti-lock system, maintaining rotation so the steering wheel remains responsive. However, if the road is too slippery, the vehicle speed is too high, or you steer too aggressively, the tires' grip may suddenly decrease, making the vehicle prone to lateral skidding. It's akin to braking sharply on ice—ABS enables steering but doesn't guarantee stability without deviation. Therefore, it's advisable to maintain straight-line braking as much as possible and avoid sharp steering, especially on wet or slippery roads, where preemptive speed reduction is crucial to mitigate risks. Remember, ABS is merely an assistive tool—safety ultimately depends on cautious driving. Regularly checking tire wear can enhance traction and reduce the likelihood of skidding.
