What is an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in cars, and how does it work?

Brakes are a crucial safety component in any automobile, whether it's a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler. They play a vital role in slowing down or stopping the vehicle. As cars have become more advanced and powerful, braking systems have also undergone significant advancements over the years. One notable innovation in this evolution is the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Curious about what ABS is and how it works? Keep reading to find out—no need for 'panic braking'!

What is an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)?

An Anti-lock Braking System in cars means a system that prevents the wheels from locking up during panic/hard braking. Without ABS, the wheels can quickly stop rotating and start to slide under panic braking. The role of an ABS or Anti-skid braking system is to prevent the wheels from losing traction under heavy braking by modulating the brake pressure. To understand what ABS is in a car, let’s look at an example scenario.

Example: You are driving on a highway at a speed of around 80 to 90 kmph. A pedestrian crosses the road out of nowhere without observing the oncoming traffic. To avoid hitting the pedestrian, you slam on the brakes in panic. Here the outcome of the panic braking can differ with and without ABS.

• With ABS: As soon as you press the brake pedal, the ABS kicks in to prevent the wheel lockup. ABS modulates the brake pressure and does not allow the wheels to lose traction (lock up). Hence, your car will stop safely in a short distance, and you avoid a potential accident.

• Without ABS: When you slam on the brakes in panic, the wheels will lose traction and start sliding. In other words, they lock up. Once that happens, you are just a passenger. You will have no control over the brake or steering, and the vehicle will continue to move forward/skid with wheels sliding on the road surface. It can lead to a severe accident.

So, now you know the difference ABS can make in dire situations. It can be a lifesaver in such panic braking scenarios. This safety feature is mandatory for all cars in India. Hence, all the new vehicles come with this crucial piece of safety equipment.

Reference:

https://ackodrive.com/car-guide/anti-lock-braking-system/