What Is Anti-Lock Braking System?
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system that operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, which maintains tractive contact with the road surface. This allows the driver to maintain more control over the vehicle during emergency braking.
ABS uses principles of threshold braking and cadence braking, techniques previously employed by skillful drivers before the widespread adoption of ABS. It’s more effective and operates at a much faster rate than what most drivers could manage manually.
Modern ABS systems include functions like electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control system, emergency brake assist, or electronic stability control (ESC)​​​.
How Does ABS Work? The Mechanism
The working principle of ABS is straightforward: The system is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU), which monitors the speed of each wheel. If a wheel is about to lock up, indicated by rapid deceleration, the ECU activates valves to reduce hydraulic pressure on the brake. This reduces the braking force and prevents lock-up.
If the wheel starts turning too fast, the pressure is increased again. This rapid modulation of brake pressure prevents the wheels from locking and allows the vehicle to maintain traction and control. Some ABS systems can adjust brake pressure up to 15 times per second​​​​.
How to Properly Use ABS
To utilize ABS effectively, drivers should understand its functionality and maintain proper techniques during braking situations. Unlike traditional braking systems where the driver might need to manually pump the brakes to prevent lock-up, with ABS, the driver should keep the foot firmly on the brake pedal and let the system automatically modulate the brakes.
During ABS operation, drivers may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal or hear noises from the ABS controller; it’s important to maintain firm pressure on the brake pedal and not remove the foot. ABS is designed to help maintain control during emergency braking, not necessarily to stop the car more quickly, though it often does reduce stopping distances on wet or slippery roads​​​​.
Components of ABS
The four main components of ABS are:
- Wheel Speed Sensors: These sensors determine the acceleration or deceleration of the wheel by using a magnet and a Hall effect sensor or a toothed wheel and an electromagnetic coil. They can become inaccurate at slow speeds due to slower wheel rotation.
- Valves: Located in the brake line of each brake controlled by the ABS, these valves have three positions to modulate the brake pressure.
- Pump: This component restores the pressure to the hydraulic brakes after the valves have released it. The controller modulates the pump’s status to maintain the desired amount of pressure and reduce slipping.
- Controller: An ECU-type unit in the car that receives information from each wheel speed sensor and modulates braking force accordingly.
Types of Anti-Lock Braking System
ABS systems vary based on the type of brakes in use, with differences in the number of channels and the number of speed sensors. The main types are:
1. Four-channel, four-sensor ABS
This system offers the highest level of control, with a speed sensor and a separate valve for each wheel. It allows the ABS to monitor and control each wheel individually, ensuring maximum braking force and stability for each wheel independently.
2. Three-channel, four-sensor ABS
Common in older vehicles with four-wheel ABS, this system has a speed sensor for each wheel. However, it controls the front wheels individually while combining control for the rear wheels with one valve. This setup is less precise for the rear wheels but still offers significant control.
3. Three-channel, three-sensor ABS
Often found in pickup trucks, this configuration has individual control for the front wheels and a single control for both rear wheels. The rear wheels are monitored together, meaning the ABS will only activate if both start to lock up, which can be less effective in preventing skidding of the rear wheels compared to four-channel systems.
4. Two-channel, four-sensor ABS
Typically found in passenger cars from the late ’80s to the mid-90s, this system uses individual sensors for each wheel but combines the control for the front and rear wheels as pairs. This means if one wheel in a pair starts to lock up, the ABS modulates braking for both wheels in that pair.
5. One-channel, one-sensor ABS
Common in trucks, SUVs, and vans with rear-wheel ABS, this system has one sensor and valve controlling both rear wheels. It’s a more basic form of ABS, providing skid control only for the rear wheels together. This can result in reduced braking effectiveness compared to systems with more channels and sensors.
When To Use ABS?
ABS should be used when you try to apply brakes but the tires lock up and the vehicle starts skidding. It prevents tire lock-up, allowing you to maintain control and steering capability. This system is particularly useful on wet or slippery surfaces and helps to avoid skidding and potential accidents​​​​.
What ABS Can’t Do?
Despite its advantages, ABS does not guarantee shorter stopping distances in all conditions. It’s designed to provide control, not necessarily to stop a vehicle faster. Additionally, on surfaces like snow or gravel, ABS might make stopping more challenging. It’s important to pair ABS with safe driving practices like avoiding speeding or tailgating​​​​​​.
Advantages of ABS
- Increased Stability: ABS helps prevent the car from spinning out of control, particularly on wet or slippery surfaces​​.
- Stopping Power on Ice: It significantly reduces the risk of wheels locking up, especially in slippery conditions​​.
- Lower Insurance Costs: Vehicles with ABS often have lower auto insurance payments due to their enhanced safety features​​.
- Enhanced Resale Value: ABS is a standard feature in modern vehicles, adding to the car’s value​​.
- Improved Traction Control: ABS infrastructure is closely related to advanced traction control technology​​.
Difference Between Anti-Lock Brakes and Conventional Brakes
Anti-lock brakes and conventional brakes have different functions but they work collectively. Conventional brakes are used to stop a vehicle. At the same time, ABS works to prevent the tires from locking up when the conventional brakes are applied. ABS prevents this by automatically pumping the brakes and enables the driver to maintain control and steer safely.