What does ABS mean on a car?
1 Answers
ABS, short for Anti-lock Braking System, 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 around 20%), ensuring maximum adhesion between the tires and the road surface. The ABS sensor is located on the inner side of the car's tires and can be seen when the vehicle 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 wheels 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 sensors, calculates parameters such as wheel speed, vehicle speed, and slip ratio, and determines the wheel's condition based on the slip ratio. It then sends control commands to the hydraulic unit. The hydraulic unit adjusts the pressure in the brake lines according to 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 advised not to continue driving. An illuminated 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.
