The Anti-Lock Braking System
As anyone who’s driven on icy or snow-packed Nebraska streets can tell you, a car’s tires only get traction on the road when they’re spinning. When a typical brake is applied, it can lock on the wheel, causing the tire to stop spinning and skid on the road. Loss of control of the car can follow.
In the early 1970s, the Anti-Lock Braking System, or ABS, was developed for cars. The ABS uses a sensor to automatically “pump” the brakes. This prevents the brakes from locking on the wheel. It also shortens stopping distances and reduces the likelihood of accidents.
Getting to know the ABS
For the most part, it’s easy to use your car’s ABS (and most cars these days come with it). Just step on the brake pedal and the ABS does the rest. According to About.com, there are three main components to the ABS:
- Hydraulic Control Unit – This controls the fluid pressure in the brake system.
- Wheel Sensors – These relay information from the wheels to the control unit.
- Anti-Lock Brake Control Module – If a wheel is about to lock, this takes over and results in the “pumping” motion that keeps the tires spinning while still applying the brakes.
ABS comes in different schemes depending on what type of vehicle you drive. You may want to consult your owner’s manual to learn about the one on your car.
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