How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work?

It’s a cold, wintry day, and the forecast warns of ice on the roads. You plan to take it slow on your commute, but you’re not sure what to do if you hit a patch of ice.

Maybe you’ve heard that drivers should pump the brakes when stopping on ice. But that’s simply not true! Why? Because today’s vehicles come with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that eliminates the need to pump the brakes on slippery roads.

What are Anti-Lock Brakes?

The ABS helps drivers maintain steering control by preventing the wheels from locking up during heavy braking. ABS has been a standard feature on vehicles since the 90s, but it became mandatory for U.S. vehicles in 2013.

Without ABS, the wheels can “lock up” when you slam on the brakes. When the wheels lock up, they stop rotating. Traction is lost, and the vehicle starts to skid. And because of the loss in traction, you cannot control where the vehicle is going.

This is why the old advice was to pump the brakes to keep the wheels from locking up. However, it can take much longer to stop when pumping the brakes because you are unable to apply the brakes consistently, and it also makes it more difficult to steer the vehicle.

Enter ABS. ABS pumps the brakes for you, more safely and efficiently than your foot can!

How does ABS work?

ABS is made up of four components:

• • Wheel speed sensors
  • Valves
  • Pump
  • Controller

The wheel speed sensors monitor rotational speeds to determine when a wheel is about to lock up and then alert the controller. The controller then uses the hydraulic valves and pump to rapidly increase and decrease the brake pressure applied to that wheel—up to 20 times per second!

Basically, the ABS applies the maximum possible braking power without causing the wheels to lock up so that you can focus on steering to safety in an emergency. Plus, it may help decrease your stopping distance as well.

How to Brake with ABS

If your vehicle has ABS, do not pump the brakes in an emergency stop. Firmly press and hold the brake pedal until you have come to a complete stop (or have slowed down enough). Steer to avoid an obstacle if needed.

Do not be alarmed when you feel the brake pedal pulsing or hear a shuddering sound while braking. This is the sound of your anti-lock brakes at work.

And don’t be careless; having a vehicle with ABS does not justify poor driving. Avoid speeding, tailgating, driving under the influence and other unsafe driving habits. Good driving combined with your vehicle’s safety features will help you to avoid accidents.

Why is my ABS light on?

The ABS works hardest during winter months when roads are icy and snowy and traction is compromised. But this is also when it’s most vulnerable to corrosion and damage from salt applied to icy roads. Be watchful for the ABS light on your dashboard!

The ABS warning light should illuminate briefly every time you turn on your car. But if it doesn’t go away, the system has detected an error and the ABS has been deactivated.

Common reasons for the ABS light to come on include:

• • Low brake fluid
  • Damaged or dirty wheel speed sensors
  • Blown fuse
  • Faulty wiring
  • Broken controller/computer

Read: What All the Symbols on Your Car’s Dashboard Mean

Is it safe to drive with the ABS light on?

Your regular brakes’ performance should not be affected when the ABS light is on. However, the ABS will not kick in during a panic stop, so you risk locking up your wheels and losing steering control. It’s best to take the car to a mechanic soon to get it checked out.

If the warning light for your regular braking system comes on as well, find the nearest repair shop ASAP! You don’t want to risk having brakes that don’t work.

ABS Services at Virginia Tire & Auto

ABS light on? Drop by your local store or schedule a visit online to get your vehicle checked by one of our professional mechanics. A properly operating ABS is critical for your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.