What is anti-lock braking system?

ABS is the abbreviation of English Anti-lock Braking System, which means anti-lock braking system. It works together with the traditional braking system and is a safe and effective braking auxiliary system.

Its main function is to prevent the wheels from locking (that is, stopping rolling) during braking, so as to ensure that the driver can still control the direction when braking, and in some cases, such as on wet roads, the braking distance can be reduced. For vehicles without ABS, the driver can manually prevent the wheel from locking by clicking the brake pedal, but this requires too much operating skills for the driver, which is difficult for ordinary people to do.

The ABS system automatically controls the oil pressure of the braking system through the computer. The driver only needs to step on the brake pedal, and the system can automatically and quickly adjust the braking force, so as to obtain the maximum braking efficiency and prevent the wheel from locking.

When a vehicle is braked on a wet road or braked in an emergency, the wheels are easily locked, which makes the driver lose the ability to control the steering, and at the same time, the vehicle will have a serious tail flick or even get out of control. The rear wheel ABS can prevent the rear wheel from locking and ensure that the vehicle can travel in a straight line when braking. If equipped with four-wheel ABS, steering can also be controlled when braking. In many emergencies, it may be more effective to bypass obstacles than to stop by braking. It can be seen that the steering ability during braking is very important to the driving safety of the car.

Most cars sold in China market are equipped with ABS system, or ABS is provided as an optional configuration. You can check whether your vehicle is equipped with ABS in the following different ways:

● Read the user manual. In general, the configuration of the vehicle will be given in detail in the owner's manual.

● Check the dashboard. If equipped with ABS, a yellow ABS indicator light will be briefly displayed on the dashboard every time the engine is started.

● When buying, renting or borrowing a car, ask the seller, renter or owner.

Many drivers may have had the feeling that when stepping on the brake pedal, they sometimes feel the pedal slightly vibrate and sometimes feel the pedal suddenly sink. In addition, the working noise of ABS control valve may be heard. All these indicate that ABS is working. Note: When you hear these noises or feel these vibrations, do not release the brake pedal, but press it hard.

If equipped with ABS, you can't hit the brakes. When braking, just step on the pedal and turn the steering wheel according to the current situation and driving requirements.

The main function of ABS is to help the driver keep control of the vehicle during emergency braking (such as being able to turn), rather than shortening the braking distance. On wet roads, ABS may shorten the braking distance, and on dry roads, many systems can also shorten the braking distance. However, on soft roads, such as gravel roads or snow, ABS system may extend the braking distance. When driving on wet roads, even if ABS can help shorten the braking distance, it should not be careless. You must keep a proper distance from the car in front, and the speed should not be too high.

There are many suppliers of ABS system in the world, and the parts and control procedures are not exactly the same, but the principle and structure are similar. At present, the common ABS systems are "rear wheel ABS" and "four wheel ABS". The rear wheel ABS can only prevent the rear wheel from locking when braking, thus preventing the brake from running off and swinging the tail. Generally only used in pickup trucks and SUVs. At present, most cars are equipped with four-wheel ABS system, which can prevent the four wheels from locking when braking, that is, in addition to preventing braking deviation and sideslip, it can also ensure the steering ability of the vehicle when braking. If you are the owner of a pickup truck or SUV, please refer to the owner's manual to confirm what system your car is equipped with.