Common Misconceptions About Anti-Lock Brakes

 Even with millions of vehicles on US roads now equipped with them as a common safety feature, myths about how anti-lock brakes work persist. Here’s a quick look at a few of them.

Myth: ABS always reduces stopping distances.

 Reality: ABS can reduce stopping distances on slippery or wet road surfaces, but it won’t always do so on dry or loose surfaces. Don’t forget, ABS’s primary function is to prevent the wheels from locking up and help you maintain control of the vehicle, not always reduce stopping distance.

Myth: ABS is only useful in winter driving conditions.

 Reality: ABS serves you well every month of the year whether the sun shines or it snows. ABS operates under many conditions. On dry pavement, the ABS will prevent wheel lockup and increase control. On wet pavement or a slippery street, the ABS will also help you stay in control.

Myth: You need to pump the brakes with ABS.

 Reality: Armed with that knowledge, brake pumping was only a temporary solution to skidding, which would be better resolved through more easily controlled throttle inputs in the case of cars without ABS. ABS performs that function automatically. When driving ABS-equipped vehicles, strike the brake pedal in whatever fashion best achieves the desired outcome regardless of road conditions, then lift and repeat depending upon circumstances.

How to Know If ABS Is Working

 It is particularly important to pay attention to the operation of your ABS when you need to do an emergency brake: You should expect to feel the following things:

 Pulsating Brake Pedal: A very rapid pulse or vibration in the brake pedal would indicate ABS is thermally modulating brake pressure to prevent wheel lock.

 Mechanical Noise: Some ABS systems make a grinding or buzzing sound when activated. This noise is a normal consequence of the anti-lock brake system adjusting brake pressure.

 ABS Warning Light: When you start your vehicle, the ABS light on the dash should illuminate briefly and then go out. If the light stays lit while driving, the ABS might not be working properly and you should get it checked. 

Maintaining Your Anti-Lock Brakes

 Like all other components of your car, your anti-lock brakes require regular maintenance in order to work the way you need them to, when you need them. Here’s how to keep your ABS system in good running order:

1. Pay Attention to the ABS Warning Light

 If your dash now includes an ABS light with a yellow marking, you may have a problem with the system. It can be faulty sensor, a lack of brake fluid, and other issue – so be sure your ABS is tested by a professional. 

2. Check Your Brake Fluid Levels

 ABS requires hydraulic brake fluid to modulate brake pressure and so it is recommended you check your brake-fluid levels regularly – top up if necessary. Low brake-fluid can reduce the systems ability to do its job.

3. Inspect Your Brake Pads and Rotors

 Worn brake pads or rotors can cause your ABS to perform less effectively. Have your braking components checked as part of your regular vehicle maintenance schedule.

4. Maintain Tire Health

 Good tire traction is also necessary because ABS needs some wheel slip to work. Keep them properly inflated and in good shape, with adequate tread. Worn or improperly adjusted tyres can compromise your anti-lock brakes

Conclusion

 Anti-lock brakes are a benefit to modern vehicles. They help vehicle to avoid skidding especially during emergency breaking.A very high speed vehicle should have brakes that override normal brakes to help the vehicle avoid hitting or getting into disadvantageous positions like loosing balance or going to opposite side of the road. Therefore, anti lock brakes automatically controls the pressure of brakes. This enables the driver to control steering wheel while breaking to avoid overshooting , hittin a pedestrian etc. And therefore it is a very important feature for road safety.Although anti lock brakes do not help vehicle to have shorter time for stopping in every situations, they do help the vehicle to be more controlled and prevent vehicles skidding or hittin the opposite side of the road especially when road is wet or slippery.

 Be sure to perform general maintenance tasks such as checking your brake fluid, monitoring your ABS light in your dash, and never letting your tyres get worn. Having a good grasp of how your anti-lock brakes function and what to do when using them can make you a safer and more confident driver, on the road, in all conditions.