What are anti-lock brakes?
Anti-lock brakes are a significant feature when it comes to vehicle safety. It’s often abbreviated to ABS, which stands for anti-lock braking system. While many drivers are aware that their vehicle has ABS, most probably don’t know how it works or what the process entails.
What are anti-lock brakes?
Anti-lock brakes prevent wheels from locking during sharp, sudden braking, allowing you to maintain control of your steering. Without ABS, your wheels would lock up, resulting in a loss of traction and skidding. Your ABS should never activate during normal driving conditions, as it only operates in an emergency. In fact, many drivers will never experience ABS in action.
How does ABS work?
All cars with ABS have sensors that detect the rate of acceleration and deceleration of the wheel. During sharp braking, ABS will sense when the wheels are about to lock and modulate the braking pressure on each wheel. This process allows the wheels to continue rotating and maintain traction. This allows the driver to remain in control of steering and brakes and stop the vehicle if necessary.
The ABS process occurs multiple times per second, ensuring that the wheels maintain traction with the road while still providing effective steering and braking. This technology significantly reduces the risk of skidding, allowing you to steer the vehicle even under heavy braking.
How do anti-lock brakes differ from regular brakes
Anti-lock brakes and regular brakes use the same basic components such as brake calipers and brake pads, however, their operation differs due to how they are applied.
ABS uses a computer that monitors your wheel speed to apply and release pressure to the brakes where necessary. This is known as modulation. This system prevents wheels from locking up, allowing the driver to retain control of the vehicle.
Regular brakes simply rely on the driver applying the right amount of pressure themselves.
Is ABS better than regular brakes?
Anti-lock brakes are more advanced than regular brakes as they can assess when to apply or release pressure to prevent wheels from locking up. However, it’s important, as with all braking systems, to have the system regularly checked through routine servicing.
Regular brakes operate much more simply, so it’s down to the ability of the driver to apply the correct amount of pressure. This is known as cadence braking where the driver must manually apply and release the brakes to prevent the wheels from locking up. ABS performs this function much quicker, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering and avoiding a collision.
What are the components of ABS?
ABS consists of several components, with the main ones listed below:
- Speed sensors – identifies when wheels are about to lock up
- Valves – control the pressure in each brake line
- ABS Pump – can increase pressure in the brake line
- ABS Control Unit – Monitors the speed sensors and controls the valves
Do all new cars have anti-lock brakes?
Yes, since 2004 it was made mandatory for all vehicles to feature anti-lock brakes. Before ABS, drivers had to pump the brake pedal to remain in control during braking. However, ABS technology dates to the 1920s, with engineers installed it on aircraft. During the 1970s, brands such as Cadillac began including ABS into some of their more premium vehicles as an add-on. Today, ABS is a standard safety feature.
What to do if ABS warning light is on
As soon as you notice your ABS warning light appearing on your dashboard, you should visit a garage at your earliest convenience so they can identify the issue. The brakes will still operate, but the ABS function will be disabled. An illuminated ABS light or ABS light that is not operating as intended is an MOT failure as your vehicle’s safety is compromised.
There are multiple reasons why the ABS warning light may appear, including low brake fluid levels, faulty sensors, worn brake pads and even inoperative brake light bulbs.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your brakes, you can always book in for our free brake check. This includes a 6-point check of all aspects of your car’s braking system. If any faults are identified, one of our experts can provide you with a report, quotation for the repair and rectification as soon as possible.
How to use anti-lock brakes in an emergency
If you’re in a situation where you need to perform an emergency stop, you should quickly and firmly apply the brake pedal even if you sense that the wheels are about to lock. You should then quickly apply the clutch to prevent the car from stalling. During situations like this where harsh, sudden braking is required, the anti-lock brakes will automatically activate. You’ll feel and hear a juddering noise through the brake pedal which is the sound of the system activating.
Occasionally, instances like this may be unavoidable, but carefully assessing the road ahead will help to prevent the need for sudden braking. Frequent, harsh braking can also impact fuel efficiency as well as wear down your brake pads and shoes more quickly.
What is autonomous emergency braking?
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is featured in modern cars and uses sensors to predict when a collision is likely to occur. The driver will receive a visual or audio alert and, if they fail to respond in time, the brakes will then automatically be applied. It’s slowly becoming a standard safety feature across modern new vehicles.
Can ABS stop working?
ABS can sometimes fail if the braking system is not maintained properly, so it’s essential to ensure the system is inspected at least once a year.
How to maintain brakes
To ensure your brakes work as effectively as possible, it’s essential to:
- Inspect them at least once a year.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance intervals.
- Pay attention to warning signs such as squealing or grinding noises.
- Test your brakes to ensure your vehicle stops smoothly.
If you want your brakes checked by one of our experts, find your local Halfords Autocentre via our locations page. Or shop our full range of brake parts on halfords.com.