How to Use the Service Brake When Driving a Vehicle Equipped with ABS System?
3 Answers
When braking in a vehicle equipped with an ABS system, the driver should always keep the brake pedal firmly pressed without releasing it, allowing the ABS system to function effectively and ensuring sufficient and continuous braking force. During emergency braking, feeling the brake pedal vibrate is a normal working characteristic of the ABS system and does not indicate a fault in the braking system. Here is more information about the ABS system: 1. The Anti-lock Braking System, abbreviated as ABS, functions by automatically controlling the braking force during vehicle braking to prevent wheel lock-up. It keeps the wheels in a state of rolling and sliding (with a slip ratio of about 20%), ensuring maximum adhesion between the wheels and the road surface. 2. During braking, the ABS quickly determines the lock-up state of each wheel based on speed signals from the wheel speed sensors. It closes the normally open input solenoid valve for the wheel starting to lock up, maintaining the braking force. If the wheel continues to lock up, the normally closed output solenoid valve is opened, causing the braking pressure on that wheel to rapidly decrease due to the direct connection to the brake fluid reservoir, preventing the wheel from completely locking up due to excessive braking force.
When driving a vehicle equipped with ABS, you should press the brake pedal directly without pumping it like in older cars, because the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) will automatically perform rapid pulse braking for you. I remember once encountering an emergency on the highway—I stomped on the brakes hard. Although the pedal vibrated, the wheels didn’t lock up, allowing me to steer and avoid a rear-end collision. The same applies to everyday driving: when approaching a red light or traffic jam, just apply steady pressure—ABS will ensure a smoother stop. The key in emergencies is not to panic; press the pedal firmly and hold it down. The ABS system requires clean sensors and regular checks, or it may malfunction, so I have a technician inspect it during my biannual maintenance. In short, ABS makes braking safer and more reliable, especially on slippery roads, reducing stopping distance and preventing accidents.
Driving a car with ABS is straightforward when it comes to braking: firmly press the brake pedal and hold it down without any pumping action. The ABS continuously monitors wheel speed and automatically adjusts brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up, allowing you to maintain steering control during hard braking. In case of a sudden need to stop, such as when the vehicle ahead brakes abruptly, simply stomp on the pedal—don’t be alarmed by the pedal vibration when ABS activates. On slippery surfaces like snow or rain, ABS is particularly effective, reducing skid risks and ensuring a safe stopping distance. I also recommend familiarizing yourself with the vehicle manual to understand the ABS warning light and performing regular brake tests to ensure system responsiveness. This way, you can drive with greater peace of mind, especially when carrying family members.
