What does ABS mean on a vehicle?
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 maintains the wheels in a state of rolling and sliding (with a slip ratio around 20%) to ensure maximum adhesion between the tires and the road surface. The ABS sensor is located on the inner side of the vehicle's tires and can be seen when the car is lifted. The ABS system primarily consists of four components: wheel speed sensors, the electronic control unit (ECU), the hydraulic unit, and the ABS warning light. The wheel speed sensors detect the motion state of the wheels and generate sinusoidal electronic pulse signals. These signals are then processed by a modulator, converted into digital signals, and transmitted to the electronic control unit. The central electronic 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 braking lines according to the control commands, with the adjustment process including pressure maintenance, pressure increase, and pressure decrease. The ABS warning light alerts the driver to any system malfunctions. If the ABS warning light is illuminated, it is advisable 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 decelerate or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks.
