What does it feel like when the car's ABS intervenes?
3 Answers
When the ABS intervenes during braking, there will be a rattling sound and a sense of jerkiness. Here are some related details about ABS: 1. Function: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) automatically controls the braking force during car braking to prevent the wheels from locking up, keeping them in a state of rolling and sliding (with a slip ratio of about 20%) to ensure maximum adhesion between the wheels and the road. 2. Working Principle: During braking, ABS quickly determines the locking state of each wheel based on the speed signals from the wheel speed sensors. It closes the normally open input solenoid valve for the wheel that is starting to lock, maintaining the braking force. If the wheel continues to lock, it opens the normally closed output solenoid valve, causing the braking pressure on that wheel to drop rapidly due to the direct connection to the brake fluid reservoir, preventing the wheel from completely locking up due to excessive braking force.
After driving for so many years, I experienced ABS intervention for the first time on a rainy highway. A car suddenly changed lanes in front of me, and I slammed on the brakes hard. The brake pedal started jumping and vibrating like a little motor under my foot—it felt really tingly and was accompanied by a grinding noise. For a moment, I thought something was wrong with the car. But the vehicle didn’t skid, slowed down steadily, and the steering stayed true, allowing me to swerve and avoid a collision. It felt like the brakes had a life of their own, helping me prevent wheel lockup. Looking back, it was pretty amazing. On slippery roads, that vibration reminds me the system is working, reducing the risk of an accident. If you encounter this while driving, don’t panic—just keep pressing the pedal firmly. The benefit of ABS is making emergency braking safer, protecting both me and others.
As a new driver who just got my license, the first time I slammed on the brakes on a snowy road, the brake pedal suddenly vibrated violently, like being electrocuted, which scared me and made me panic, thinking the car was broken and about to lose control. I could also hear a low humming sound, but strangely, the car didn't lock up and skid; instead, it stopped smoothly. That's when I realized it was the ABS kicking in. The experience was quite frightening at first, but later my driving instructor explained that it was the anti-skid system pulsing the brakes to prevent the tires from locking up. Since then, whenever I encounter similar situations, I stay calm, keep my foot firmly on the pedal without letting up, and the car maintains directional control, making winter driving much less worrisome. After practicing a few times, I got used to it, and now I feel it's a technology that silently helps a lot.
