What does ABS in cars mean?
2 Answers
ABS, short for Anti-lock Braking System, functions by automatically controlling the braking force during car braking to prevent wheel lock-up. It keeps the wheels in a state of rolling and sliding (with a slip ratio of around 20%) to ensure maximum adhesion between the wheels and the road surface. The ABS sensor is located on the inner side of the car tire and can be seen when the car is lifted. The ABS system mainly consists of four components: wheel speed sensor, electronic control unit (ECU), hydraulic unit, and ABS warning light. The wheel speed sensor detects the motion state of the wheel and emits a sinusoidal electronic pulse AC signal. This signal is then processed by a modulator, converted into a digital signal, and transmitted to the electronic control unit. The electronic central control unit (ECU) receives input signals from the wheel speed sensor, calculates the wheel speed, vehicle speed, and slip ratio based on these parameters, determines the wheel state according to the slip ratio, and issues control commands to the hydraulic unit. The hydraulic unit adjusts the pressure in the brake lines based on the control commands, with the adjustment process including pressure holding, pressure increase, and pressure decrease. The ABS warning light alerts the driver to any system malfunctions. If the ABS warning light is on, it is recommended not to continue driving. This is because the ABS light indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's anti-lock braking system. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle may skid uncontrollably, making it difficult for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks.
I've been driving for almost twenty years. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, which means it prevents the wheels from completely locking up during braking to avoid loss of control. In cars without ABS in the past, if you slammed on the brakes, the wheels would lock up and stop turning, causing the car to skid or fishtail, which was especially dangerous. Nowadays, most cars come standard with ABS. It uses wheel speed sensors to monitor changes in wheel speed, and if it detects that a wheel is about to lock up, it rapidly pulses and releases the brakes, allowing the wheel to continue rotating while slowing down. This way, when braking in rain or snow, the car won't skid, and the driver can maintain better control of the steering wheel. I still remember one time on the highway when a car suddenly braked hard in front of me. I slammed on the brakes, the ABS kicked in, the brake pedal vibrated intensely, but the car stopped steadily without losing control. If the ABS light comes on, it might be due to a dirty sensor or a blown fuse, and it should be checked and repaired. Don't underestimate it—ABS might be basic, but it can truly save lives, especially for new drivers.
