Does activating ABS damage the car?
2 Answers
Activating ABS does not damage the car. Here is more relevant information: 1. Precautions for vehicles equipped with ABS: (1) When braking on gravel roads, loose soil surfaces, or deep snow-covered roads, ABS cannot shorten the braking distance but may cause the wheels to be in a state where they cannot stop. (2) Do not repeatedly press the brake pedal. When driving a car with ABS, repeatedly pressing the brake pedal will cause the ABS to work intermittently, leading to reduced braking efficiency and increased braking distance. (3) During braking, the ABS system provides the driver with reliable directional control, but it cannot automatically complete the steering operation of the car. In unexpected situations, the driver still needs to complete the steering control. 2. Limitations of the ABS system: The ABS system itself has limitations and cannot escape certain physical laws. In two cases, the ABS system cannot provide the shortest braking distance. One is on smooth dry roads when braking is performed directly by an experienced driver. The other case is when braking on loose gravel roads, loose soil surfaces, or deep snow-covered roads.
The first time I drove long-distance, I also accidentally triggered the ABS, wondering if it damaged the car. Later, I checked the information and learned that it's the Anti-lock Braking System designed to protect the vehicle. When you slam on the brakes, the ABS automatically releases pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and maintain control, so triggering it won't cause damage; car manufacturers have tested it countless times to work properly under hard braking. I've experienced ABS activation during sudden braking on rainy days—the car body vibrated, but the braking response was good, with no abnormalities. However, developing smooth driving habits is crucial, as reducing unnecessary hard braking can extend brake pad life by about 10%. Occasionally using it on slippery roads is fine—the core point is that it helps us avoid accidents. Safety is far more important than worry. As a beginner, I might have overreacted, but now I don't give it a second thought.
