Do cars with ABS systems need to pump the brakes?
3 Answers
Cars with ABS systems do not need to pump the brakes. The function of ABS is to prevent wheel lock-up and avoid loss of control. During emergency braking, pumping the brakes should not be used. The advantage of pumping the brakes is to prevent the ABS from activating, but in emergency situations, you should brake hard to allow the ABS to work. Once the ABS is activated, the anti-lock braking system remains on standby. Most cars cannot manually turn off the ABS. The best practice is to drive at a low speed to the nearest 4S shop for inspection and repair of potential safety hazards after the ABS is triggered, or to park the car on the roadside and request emergency towing services. ABS effectively maintains braking performance during emergency stops, maximizing driving safety in sudden accidents. "ABS" is the Chinese translation of Anti-lock Braking System, a vehicle safety control system with advantages such as anti-skid and anti-lock functions. ABS is an improved technology based on conventional braking systems and can be divided into mechanical and electronic types. Modern vehicles are widely equipped with anti-lock braking systems, which not only provide the braking function of conventional systems but also prevent wheel lock-up.
Back when I drove older cars, I used to pump the brakes to prevent skidding. But now, all modern cars come with ABS, making that technique completely unnecessary. The ABS system automatically performs high-frequency brake pulsing when you slam on the brakes, operating at a speed over ten times faster than human footwork, allowing the wheels to maintain steering control. Last week during rainy conditions, I had to perform an emergency stop—I stomped the brake pedal firmly and could clearly feel it pulsating with a rapid 'click-click' vibration. The car came to a stable halt without any skidding. If I had tried pumping the brakes manually in that situation, it would have only increased the stopping distance. However, it's important to note that ABS activation relies on the tires not being fully locked—extreme conditions like icy surfaces are a different story. For regular maintenance, remember to check the wheel speed sensors; if they're dirty, it can slow down the ABS response time.
As a driving instructor, I clearly tell my students: When encountering an emergency situation in a car equipped with ABS, stomp on the brake pedal firmly and don't bother with pumping the brakes. The ABS system uses wheel speed sensors to monitor the wheels' status. If it detects any tendency to lock up, it will make the brake calipers work at a high frequency, achieving much more precise braking than manual pedal pumping. During training, I have students perform emergency stops from 40 km/h to let them experience the vibration underfoot and the rhythm of automatic brake pulsing. The key is also to maintain steering control and not panic-steer. Of course, ABS isn't omnipotent—if the tires are severely worn, no system will help.
