Will ABS Activate When Braking at Low Speed?
2 Answers
ABS will not activate when braking at low speed. The functions of ABS are: 1. To fully utilize the effectiveness of the brakes, shortening braking time and distance; 2. To effectively prevent vehicle skidding and fishtailing during emergency braking, ensuring good driving stability; 3. To allow steering during emergency braking, providing good steering control; 4. To avoid severe friction between tires and the ground, reducing tire wear. The working principle of ABS is: During emergency braking, highly sensitive wheel speed sensors installed on each wheel detect wheel lock-up, and the computer controls the pressure regulator to release pressure from the wheel's brake caliper, preventing wheel lock-up.
I was also curious about this while driving and asked my friend at the repair shop. Generally, the ABS doesn't activate at low speeds, especially when the speed is below 8 km/h. The ABS system mainly prevents tire lock-up and loss of control during high-speed emergency braking. At low speeds, even if the tires lock up, the impact is minimal. I tried slamming the brakes while slowly moving in a parking lot, and the ABS didn't respond at all. However, it's a different story if the road is particularly slippery—like on icy or snowy surfaces, where low-speed emergency braking might trigger the ABS. Also, a quick reminder: if the ABS activates unexpectedly during low-speed braking, it might be due to dirty or faulty wheel speed sensors, so it's best to get it checked. Maintaining the brake system is crucial as it directly relates to driving safety.
