How ABS Brakes Make Driving Safer

In an effort to make vehicles safer for the road, the U.S. and many other countries have required that new vehicles come prepared with an anti-lock brake system (ABS). This style of braking system is not only more reliable, but also least likely to need repairing than the older systems that were used. ABS brakes allow drivers to have more control of their vehicles when facing a situation where abrupt stopping is required. To assure the vehicle is working in the safest manner possible it is important to always properly maintain and have check-ups done on the brakes and all components that allow them to work. Doing so will not only allow for safer driving, but also prevent larger issues from occurring in the future.

How Do ABS Brakes Work?

ABS brakes are different than their predecessors because they do not allow tires to lock up. This allows the driver to keep better control of the vehicle while facing a potentially dangerous situation. This type of action is carried out through the use of a stronger hydraulic system than the older brake styles used, as well as an anti-lock brake control module and sensors that are located in both the front and rear wheels. When the sensors notice a wheel that is about to lock up, they send a signal to the control module, which then cuts off brake fluid being sent to that wheel. By doing this, it assures that all wheels are rotating at the same speed and prevents vehicles from going out of control or spinning out.

What Are Some Signs That an ABS is Not Functioning Properly?

It is vital to assure the ABS brakes in a vehicle are operating properly. There are many signs that there may be a problem with the brakes. The most common way people generally realize there is an issue is hearing a loud squeaking whenever pressure is applied to the brake pedal. Other sounds that may also be heard are a crunching or grinding when the same action is carried out. Of course, the most obvious way to detect an issue with the brakes is a significantly larger stopping distance than normal. If any of these issues are detected the vehicle should be taken to a repair shop immediately to have the problem resolved.

What Are Some Reasons That ABS Brakes May Not Function Properly?

There are several components that make up an ABS braking system, and anytime one of them is not working properly it has a negative effect on how the rest of the system runs. One of the most common issues that people face with ABS brakes is the sensors located near the wheels become dirty from dust and dirt build-up. This leads to the computer reporting to the car that the system is not running properly and maintenance is required. This is a relatively easy job for most mechanics to fix. Other factors that impact how well the braking system works include condition of the brake pads, age of the brake fluid, and whether any cracks or breaks are present in the brake line. If any of these issues are present, it can lead to the entire system running poorly, and in worst -case scenarios, damage the brakes.

Do ABS Brakes Work in All Weather Conditions?

While the common thought is that ABS brakes only work in snow or slippery conditions, this is not true. ABS brakes work in all conditions. ABS is designed to kick in anytime a wheel is not spinning at the same rate as the others. This can of course occur in bad weather, but ABS is used quite often on dry roads where weather is not a factor at all. The main goal of ABS brakes is to assure the driver can maintain the best control of the vehicle no matter what the weather conditions are, and generally they are much more successful at doing this than the older styles used.

Is a Mechanic Need to Repair ABS Brakes?

ABS brakes system can be repaired without consulting a mechanic, but it is important that the individual doing the work understands the system. There are many components to look at. For example, it is not uncommon to have the brakes malfunction due to a simple glitch in the computer module or ABS sensors. Many of these modules and sensors require that a computer be hooked up to the car. Aside from the electrical features surrounding these systems, everything else is very similar to older brake systems.

ABS brakes have been a great improvement to cars around the world and continue to evolve. They have built-in controls to prevent the brakes from seizing up, which makes them safer than older systems. The brakes on a car are perhaps the most important safety feature, so making sure proper maintenance is followed is imperative. If you attempt to do the repairs yourself, be sure you fully understand the complexity of the system