A large number of traffic accidents occur because drivers are unable to stop their vehicles before colliding into the cars in front of them. Sometimes, this is due to lack of attention. Other times, it's due to a motorist following the person in front of them too closely. In some cases, the collision is due to a driver's wheels locking up when he or she slams their foot on the brake pedal.
When your wheels become locked, they skid across the surface of the road. As a result, you have little to no traction or control of your vehicle. This is the reason anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were developed.
In this article, I'll provide a bird's eye view of the entire system and explain how the various components work together to prevent your tires from locking up. I'll also offer a few tips for driving with ABS before clarifying whether the pesky warning light truly signals a problem.
A Bird's Eye View Of Your ABS
Your car's anti-lock brakes are comprised of four main parts: speed sensors, computer control module, pump, and valves. Each wheel on your vehicle has a sensor that monitors its speed. The computer control module monitors each of these sensors. When it senses that one of your tires is about to become locked, it closes the solenoid valve that provides braking fluid to the tire. In doing so, it allows the tire's rotation to adjust to the driving environment in a way that prevents it from locking up. Once the problem has been averted, the control module reopens the associated solenoid valve to provide braking fluid.
Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
If you have never driven a vehicle with ABS, you might be surprised to discover the pedal offers more resistance than cars with conventional braking systems. Don't be concerned; it's normal. Also, you'll notice that when the anti-lock feature engages in order to prevent locking, there's a mild pulsing sensation that you'll feel through the pedal. Again, it's normal.
One of the most common misunderstandings that motorists have about ABS is that they need to pump their brakes in order to slow down without locking their wheels. Pumping the pedal is entirely unnecessary; the speed sensors, control module, hydraulic pump, and valves work together to prevent your wheels from locking.
Does The Warning Light Indicate A Problem?
Like traditional braking systems, you'll need to periodically replace the shoes and pads. They wear down over time; the more you drive, the faster they wear out. Having said that, you'll occasionally see a warning light appear on your instrument panel that suggests there may be a problem with your anti-lock brakes. To be sure, if you see the light appear, have a mechanic inspect the system as soon as possible. But, also realize that moisture can trigger the warning light. In either case, don't ignore it. Your safety may depend on having a lurking problem fixed.
When your wheels become locked, they skid across the surface of the road. As a result, you have little to no traction or control of your vehicle. This is the reason anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were developed.
In this article, I'll provide a bird's eye view of the entire system and explain how the various components work together to prevent your tires from locking up. I'll also offer a few tips for driving with ABS before clarifying whether the pesky warning light truly signals a problem.
A Bird's Eye View Of Your ABS
Your car's anti-lock brakes are comprised of four main parts: speed sensors, computer control module, pump, and valves. Each wheel on your vehicle has a sensor that monitors its speed. The computer control module monitors each of these sensors. When it senses that one of your tires is about to become locked, it closes the solenoid valve that provides braking fluid to the tire. In doing so, it allows the tire's rotation to adjust to the driving environment in a way that prevents it from locking up. Once the problem has been averted, the control module reopens the associated solenoid valve to provide braking fluid.
Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
If you have never driven a vehicle with ABS, you might be surprised to discover the pedal offers more resistance than cars with conventional braking systems. Don't be concerned; it's normal. Also, you'll notice that when the anti-lock feature engages in order to prevent locking, there's a mild pulsing sensation that you'll feel through the pedal. Again, it's normal.
One of the most common misunderstandings that motorists have about ABS is that they need to pump their brakes in order to slow down without locking their wheels. Pumping the pedal is entirely unnecessary; the speed sensors, control module, hydraulic pump, and valves work together to prevent your wheels from locking.
Does The Warning Light Indicate A Problem?
Like traditional braking systems, you'll need to periodically replace the shoes and pads. They wear down over time; the more you drive, the faster they wear out. Having said that, you'll occasionally see a warning light appear on your instrument panel that suggests there may be a problem with your anti-lock brakes. To be sure, if you see the light appear, have a mechanic inspect the system as soon as possible. But, also realize that moisture can trigger the warning light. In either case, don't ignore it. Your safety may depend on having a lurking problem fixed.
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