What is the difference between a car with ABS and one without ABS?
2 Answers
The difference between having ABS functionality and not having ABS functionality lies in the braking state: With ABS functionality, the wheels do not lock up during emergency braking; without ABS functionality, the wheels can lock up during emergency braking. What is ABS? ABS, short for Antilock Brake System, automatically controls the braking force during vehicle braking to prevent wheel lock-up, maintaining a state of rolling and sliding (with a slip ratio of around 20%) to ensure maximum traction between the wheels and the road. Functions of ABS: Maximize the effectiveness of the brakes, reducing braking time and distance; effectively prevent vehicle skidding and fishtailing during emergency braking, ensuring good driving stability; allow steering during emergency braking, providing good steering control; avoid severe friction between the tires and the road, reducing tire wear.
I used to drive a car without ABS. One winter day on snow, I couldn't stop in time, the wheels locked up and I slid straight into a roadside pole - scared me to death. Now driving a car with ABS, when braking hard in the rain I feel the pedal rapidly pulsing underfoot while the car stops steadily and can still steer to avoid obstacles. ABS prevents complete wheel lockup, maintaining slight rotation to preserve traction and avoid loss of control/skidding - a huge safety improvement. Systems like ESP build upon ABS, with the entire electronic stability system making driving more reassuring. The leap from no ABS to having ABS is transformative, especially in poor road conditions where it can be lifesaving.
