What does Anti-lock Braking System mean?
2 Answers
Anti-lock Braking System, or ABS, is a technology developed by Robert Bosch GmbH for use in motorcycles and automobiles. It helps prevent loss of control of the vehicle and generally increases braking distance to improve vehicle safety, thereby enhancing the safety factor of emergency braking while driving. ABS mainly consists of an ECU control unit, wheel speed sensors, brake pressure regulation devices, and brake control circuits. During braking, the ABS control unit continuously receives speed signals from the wheel speed sensors, processes them, and determines whether the wheels are about to lock up.
I remember a few years ago when I was driving in the snow, I almost rear-ended another car, but thankfully the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in my vehicle saved the day. This system prevents the wheels from locking up when you brake hard. With regular brakes, if you stomp on them too forcefully, the wheels can lock up and cause the car to skid forward uncontrollably, making steering impossible. ABS, however, detects when a wheel is about to lock and rapidly releases and reapplies the brakes, keeping the tires at the threshold of rolling. This ensures the tires maintain traction with the road, reducing the chance of skidding while allowing you to steer. Nowadays, when I brake hard, I can feel a 'click-click' vibration feedback under my foot—that's the ABS at work. A crucial reminder for new drivers: if the ABS warning light on your dashboard comes on, get it checked immediately.
