ABS ... What is it?
ABS is an
abbreviation for Anti-lock Braking System. It was
designed to help the driver maintain some steering
ability and avoid skidding while braking.
ABS was introduced
in the mid -1980s and has become "standard"
equipment on the majority of vehicles sold in Canada. ABS
in cars and most Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPV’s)
works on all four wheels. This promotes directional
stability and allows steering while maximizing braking.
The ABS in most
pick-up trucks works only on the rear wheels, which
promotes directional stability only. However, there are
some available with ABS on all four wheels.
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Control under heavy
braking ABS allows you to maintain
control of the vehicle. Since four-wheel ABS
prevents all wheels from skidding, it allows you
to steer the vehicle and still maintain braking.
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How does it work?
ABS uses wheel speed sensors to determine if one or more wheels are
trying to lock up during braking. If a wheel tries to
lock up, a series of hydraulic valves limit or reduce the
braking on that wheel. This prevents skidding and allows
you to maintain steering control.
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Why do I want or need this?
In a recent
Canadian Automobile Association survey of some 1700
members, 66% correctly associated ABS with vehicle
stability in an emergency, and 53% correctly stated that
ABS allows the driver to steer while braking.
Since the ABS will
not allow the tire to stop rotating, you can brake and
steer at the same time. The braking and steering ability
of the vehicle is limited by the amount of traction the
tire can generate.
If you demand
steering while braking, the 100% of traction that the
tire can generate will be divided between both tasks. For
example, if you require 50% for steering then there is
50% of available traction left for braking. If you
require 10% for steering then there is 90% left for
braking. Be aware that 100% traction on a dry road is a
great deal more traction than 100% traction on ice!
Therefore, your vehicle is unable to steer and brake as
well on a slippery surface as it can on a dry road.
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