What is the function of ABS?
2 Answers
ABS system functions include: During braking, ABS quickly determines the wheel lock-up state based on speed signals from each wheel speed sensor, closing the normally open input solenoid valve for the wheel that begins to lock up to maintain constant braking force. If the wheel continues to lock up, the normally closed output solenoid valve is opened, causing the braking pressure on that wheel to rapidly decrease due to the direct connection to the brake fluid reservoir, preventing the wheel from completely locking up due to excessive braking force. This keeps the braking state at the optimal point (slip rate S of 20%), achieving the best braking effect and the highest driving safety. It maximizes the effectiveness of the brakes, reducing braking time and distance; effectively prevents vehicle skidding and fishtailing during emergency braking, ensuring good driving stability; allows steering during emergency braking, providing good steering control; avoids severe friction between tires and the ground, reducing tire wear.
As a veteran driver with 30 years of experience, I believe the most important function of ABS is to prevent wheel lock-up during emergency braking. When I was young and drove cars without ABS, slamming the brakes on rainy days would cause the car to skid and lose control, making it easy to hit something. Now with ABS, the system monitors wheel speed and automatically modulates brake pressure multiple times per second when nearing lock-up, maintaining tire rotation. This allows me to steer around obstacles on wet or snowy surfaces while achieving shorter stopping distances. I remember one heavy snow day on the highway when the car ahead suddenly stopped - I braked hard and the car remained stable without skidding. If the ABS warning light comes on, get it checked immediately because it concerns life-or-death safety, though repairs aren't overly complicated. For daily driving, I recommend maintaining adequate tire tread depth for optimal ABS performance, and don't neglect regular maintenance.
