What does the ABS system in a car mean?

[Marissa]

ABS, short for Antilock Brake 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 around 20%), ensuring maximum traction between the wheels and the road. Classification of ABS: ABS is primarily classified based on channels. In ABS, the brake pipelines capable of independently adjusting brake pressure are referred to as control channels. ABS systems are categorized into four-channel, three-channel, two-channel, and one-channel configurations. One-channel ABS: Also known as single-channel ABS, it features a single brake pressure regulator in the rear wheel brake assembly and a wheel speed sensor installed on the rear axle differential (some versions have one sensor on each rear wheel). Two-channel ABS: This configuration struggles to balance directional stability, steering control, and braking efficiency, making it rarely used today. Three-channel ABS: It independently controls the two front wheels while jointly controlling the two rear wheels based on the low-select principle (i.e., both wheels are controlled by one channel to ensure the wheel with less traction does not lock), also known as hybrid control. Four-channel ABS: Equipped with four wheel speed sensors, it includes a separate brake pressure regulator in the pipeline to each wheel's brake cylinder, enabling independent control for a four-channel configuration.

[JonathanAnn]

As a seasoned driver, I think the ABS system is particularly important—it can save your life in critical moments. Simply put, it prevents the tires from completely locking up during emergency braking, allowing the car to remain steerable. Think about it: with regular brakes, if you stomp on them and the tires lock up, turning the steering wheel won’t do anything—the car will just skid forward. ABS controls the braking force by rapidly releasing and reapplying it, performing over a dozen braking actions per second, like a professional high-frequency cadence braking. I’ve experienced it myself—during heavy rain on a slippery road, I suddenly hit the brakes and clearly felt the brake pedal pulsing under my foot while I could still steer to avoid obstacles. Nowadays, some advanced electronic ABS systems even come with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), automatically adjusting braking force across all four wheels, making driving on snowy roads much more stable than in older cars.

[DiTyler]

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, which utilizes mechatronic principles to prevent wheel lock-up. When sensors on the wheels detect a sudden drop in rotation speed (indicating potential lock-up), the control unit commands the hydraulic valves to reduce braking force on that wheel. The entire process occurs automatically within milliseconds, requiring no special action from the driver. Compared to conventional brakes, ABS can reduce braking distance by over 15% on slippery surfaces. Some advanced vehicles now feature upgraded ESP systems that automatically correct vehicle posture during emergency braking in curves. Note that when ABS activates, the brake pedal will exhibit noticeable vibration and feedback - remember not to panic and release your foot.

[JeremiahFitz]

For ordinary car owners, the most concerning aspect is that ABS can prevent skidding during emergency braking. Once when I was taking my child to school, an electric scooter suddenly darted out in front of me. I instinctively slammed on the brakes, and the car stopped steadily without spinning. Later, the mechanic explained this was the effect of ABS intervention—the system monitors the tires dozens of times per second, releasing brake pressure on any wheel that slows down too much. It's most noticeable when driving on icy or snowy roads; regular braking can easily cause skidding, while ABS-equipped cars remain much more stable. But remember, it's not a cure-all—you still need to brake early when necessary, especially when taking sharp turns at high speed.