The function of anti-brake locking system (ABS).
(Maintains directional control of the vehicle during breaking by preventing the wheels from locking)
Anti-lock braking system, also know as anti-skid braking system or ABS, is a system that assists in preventing the loss of control of a steering wheel when braking. ABS is a safety feature that ensures that the wheels of a vehicle don’t lock-up when braking to ensure that the driver has more control over the vehicle.
Australian tyre expert, Chris Lett, is the founder of Branigans Tyres in the Gold Coast, Queensland. Lett’s years of automotive experience provides the basis for first-class automotive advice. Lett provides an insight into the crucial safety features of ABS.
“The electronic stability control (ESC) of any vehicle is made up of features such as ABS, that prevent vehicle problems including the oversteering or understeer of a vehicle. The ESC is linked to what is known as the brain of a vehicle, which is the engine control unit (ECU). When there is a huge amount of pressure place on the brakes, the sensors on each wheel, that is being monitored by the ABS, gets notified, and in turn eases the pressure to prevent the wheels from locking up,” Lett explains.
By doing this, the driver maintains control of the vehicle and avoids skidding on the road. But just because skidding is avoided, this does not automatically result in a reduced braking distance. “ABS only assists in maintaining steering control, it does not make a driver stop faster after heavy braking is applied,” says Lett.
ABS can protect the tyres of a vehicle from extreme tyre wear. It has become a mandatory feature on all new cars, mainly because of the guaranteed safety it provides. It has been found that if a vehicle is fitted with ABS, it is less likely to be involved in a car crash; the chances of a vehicle fitted with ABS getting frontal impact when driving on a wet road, is significantly reduced; and vehicles fitted with ABS are less likely to drift from the road ahead.
Drivers can check if their vehicle is fitted with ABS by switching on the vehicle so that the lights on the dashboard become visible. If the light with the sign “ABS” appears, then the vehicle has ABS.
“If the ABS light on the dashboard keeps flickering or remains lit while driving, this could either indicate that the brake fluid needs to be checked or there’s a problem in the ECU or ABS sensors,” Lett said.
A professional mechanic can advise on the real reason that the ABS light is lit on a vehicle. The reason may differ from one vehicle to the other.
Lett warns, “ABS was not designed to reduce a vehicle’s stopping distance. Having this safety feature is imperative to one’s safety while driving. ABS is less effective on mud, snow or gravel roads.”
Branigans Tyres offers services that include advice on all vehicle problems that may impact on the longevity of vehicle tyres.
For guaranteed customer satisfaction when it comes to tyre servicing and vehicle maintenance, customers are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required.
Branigans Tyres has well-established workshops in Burleigh Heads and Southport in the Gold Coast region. Check out their full range of services or current featured promotions. Branigans award-winning affordable tyre subscriptions package starts at $7.97 and helps motorists budget for their ongoing tyre needs.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to drive in at their convenience as no pre-bookings or appointments are required. The branches are Burleigh Heads: (07) 5535 2660 situated at 13 Flagstone Drive or Southport: (07) 5591 8633 located at 1/277 Southport-Nerang Rd.
Written and syndicated by YDMA News.
