What is the antilock braking system (ABS) and is it really helpful ?
Even if you are an experienced driver unexpected troubles sometimes come in the way where you find that if the steering of my vehicle is not locked then I can avoid the accident. In this condition, a safety feature called as Antilock Braking System (ABS) comes in. The Antilock Braking System was initially designed for aircraft in the 1950s. In the 1970s Ford and Chrysler proved that this ABS system can be used in automobiles too.
An Antilock braking system helps the driver to retain the steering control by preventing the wheels from locking up while applying a heavy break. Locking of wheels means when we apply the brake the wheels stops the rotation and afterward it just skids over the road. It would be very risky if heavy braking is applied on wet or snowy roads. So to keep rotating the wheels while applying the heavy brakes the ABS system is used.
In ABS system, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is provided which collects the data from the sensor placed on all the four wheels, the sensor monitors the rotating speed of the wheel constantly and gives the data to ECU which compares the rotating speed with the actual driving speed and also with the other wheels’ speed. If the rotating speed of the wheel is found to be lower than the actual speed then ECU gives signals to the braking system to remove some pressure so the wheels can’t be locked if the brake is already applied. And if the wheels are not locked then the driver has a chance to change the path so that it can avoid the collision as mentioned below.
Merits of the ABS system
- Better braking performance in the extreme conditions
- Reduces the risk of sliding/skidding while braking
- It provides good traction control
- As it is providing safety, the resale value of the vehicle increases
Demerits of ABS system
- It increases the cost of the vehicle
- As ABS system consists of sensors, the repair and maintenance may be a little expensive
- It requires regular checkups of sensors, valves, and brake fluid
What to do if my car has not ABS system ?
If your car is of an older version and if it is not having the ABS system then a procedure is given below so that by practicing anyone can apply brakes closely to the braking done by the ABS system.
You will need to slow down the vehicle as much as possible before turning the steering wheel. Take your foot off of the accelerator pedal and if you are driving a manual geared car then push the clutch down. Push the brakes with as much pressure as you can until you can feel your wheel lock then release the brakes. Then take your foot off the brakes and reapply the brakes this replicates the ABS braking method.
Written by: Ruchit Shah(Instagram: @rjshah_02)
Vociferous Writers (Instagram: @vociferouswriters)
