Do you know what ABS
stands for in a car? Take a look at some facts about ABS Brakes. –by
Partsavatar Auto Parts.
Introduction of AntiLock Brake system of car was one of best decision taken by auto
makers for driver’s safety. Though many of us think that ABS Is 21 century
innovation, but no, they have been around since 1950s introduced in Europe. ABS
was first developed for aircrafts in 1929. Jensen Ferguson Formula, a four wheel
drive car unveiled ABS in 1966 as the first building step towards the evolution
of ABS.
ABS is now fitted in
every new car and is used to stabilize the car while cornering and as a crude
aid to traction.Let us know some important facts and uses of ABS other than
braking.
What
is ABS?
The ABS is a four wheel
system that prevents wheel lock up by automatically modulating the brake
pressure during an emergency stop. Under most conditions, it enables the driver
to maintain control of the steering wheel and maintain certain distance with
its immediate vehicle by preventing the wheels from locking. During normal
ride, when you apply brakes, you will feel no difference in ABS or Non ABS
brakes. But during any condition that requires interference of ABS brakes, a
certain pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal accompanied by fall and rise
in the brake pedal along with clicking noise.
This advanced driving
technique is useful on non ABS cars, as the driver exerts pressure on the brake
pedal to regain steering control while providing maximum braking. Vehicles with
ABS are equipped with dual brake system. The main components of ABS are:
·
Hydraulic control unit
·
Anti lock brake control module
How does ABS work?
ABS
uses sensors which are connected via car's ABS connectors to detect when one wheel is rotating at different
rate than other. If the sensor notices that wheel is turning more slowly while
braking, then it’s a sign that the wheel is probably locked or is about to get
locked. The system thus reduces the brake pressure accordingly by activating a
relief valve, until that pressure is equal with the other wheels.
If
the wheel begins to lock again, the process is repeated in the same way as
pumping the brake pedal pad of car.
However
if the brake pressure is momentarily released the brakes are freed and tires
can revolve again.The intervention of ABS happens many times. By releasing and
reapplying the brakes, the car’s ABS prevents it from going into a brake
induced skid.
Does ABS help be Brake Faster?
It
is not the job of ABS to make you stop faster. But ABS’s job is to allow the
driver to maintain the control of car under hard braking conditions.
ABS
will either lock the four wheels to prevent the car from skidding or it will
allow you to continue to steer the car helping you to avoid the object that is
causing you to apply brake so hard.
ABS as Traction Control
In
most situations especially in a low friction environment we often use traction
control feature in our car to gain easy traction. Traction control in cars monitor wheel speed using ABS wheel speed sensors.In
severe cases traction control can also apply brakes to the slipping wheel. For
example,Modern Range rover uses in built anti lock braking system to restore
the traction and grip of the slipping wheel by applying brake.
ABS in Side winds
Most
modern auto vehicles are immune to deceptive effects of cross winds on highways
or fast roads. But, in windy conditions Lorries, vans and other high sided vehicles
drive the best as the bulk sails effectively in winds.But in extreme
circumstances like cyclonic winds, they can be blown over but even a moderate
breeze can blow them over with major road hazards.
Mercedes
Benz uses the ABS fitted to its vans to control this movement by impartially
applying the brakes to wheel to help steady it and stop the lateral movements
due to strong winds.
So
ABS can be helpful in disastrous conditions.
ABS can help in quick cornering
Now
you can take turn at corners more safely by using ABS. keeping in mind the safe
cornering , car manufacturers advise using car’s ABS as Traction control and
chassis stability aid in such situation.
The
car gently applies brakes on one or more wheels when it detects the danger of
losing control on the corner. This effect can be straightforward or dramatic.
For
example if you want to take a left turn on a corner, you can feel the left hand
rear brake grabbing to help you steer into the left hand turn more easily.
Sports car like McLaren use this principle of lightly applying brake on inside
rear wheel to help kill under steer and provide sharper turn in.
Self Braking Using ABS
The
emergence of self braking system is increasing in modern cars. In terms of
safety it is great.The system links radar or forward facing camera to the car’s
braking system. This system will alert you in case its camera detects a
stationary or slow moving object in front of your car. If you do not apply
brakes, the ABS will take the charge and the brakes will be applied judicially
before any collision can happen.
It’s
very good safety feature in cars as sometimes, we are so distracted on the road
due to certain reasons that there are chances of head on collision with other
immediate vehicle. Or even if you are conscious on road, you can’t guarantee if
the other drivers are conscious as much as you are. So, you can ensure your
safety even if you are spacing out while driving by deploying this collision avoidance system in car.
ABS Issues
If
you are driving on loose surfaces like mud, dirt or snow ABS will become
confused and the stopping distance will extend due to interference of ABS. that
is why many off roaders prefer cars equipped with special off road mode so that
effect of ABS can be reduced or in some cases eliminated.
Common
problems with ABS can be damaged sensors and blocked released valves. The
orange light on your dashboard will start illuminating if the ABS goes faulty.
In
this situation don’t panic. You can still apply brakes normally. Check your
brake fluid level in the reservoir. If still the light comes on, then for the
sake of your safety, visit a professional.
Hope
this article will help you give enough information about ABS and its benefits.
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