What Is ABS Or Anti Lock Braking System? V3Cars Feature Explained

What Is ABS Or Anti-Lock Braking System?

ABS is an electronic system that prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking. This is important because locked wheels skid, causing you to lose traction and steering control. With ABS, the wheels maintain some rotation even under heavy braking pressure, allowing you to steer around obstacles and come to a stop in a straighter line.

How Does ABS Work?

Here's the magic behind ABS:

• Wheel speed sensors: These sensors monitor the rotational speed of each wheel.
• Control unit: This is the brain of the ABS system, analysing data from the wheel speed sensors.
• Hydraulic modulator: This unit controls the brake fluid pressure to each wheel.

When you slam on the brakes, the ABS system kicks in:

1. Wheel lockup detection: The control unit detects a rapid decrease in wheel speed, indicating impending lockup.
2. Pressure modulation: The control unit rapidly reduces brake fluid pressure to the locking wheel(s).
3. Maintaining traction: With reduced pressure, the wheel regains some rotational speed, preventing a complete lockup.
4. Pulsating sensation: You might feel a pulsing sensation in the brake pedal as the system rapidly adjusts pressure.

This cycle of pressure reduction and release continues until you release the brakes or the vehicle comes to a stop.

Pros and Cons of ABS

Here are the pros or advantages of ABS:

• Enhanced safety: ABS helps you maintain steering control during emergency braking, allowing you to avoid obstacles.
• Shorter stopping distances (on loose surfaces): On loose surfaces like gravel or snow, ABS can help prevent wheels from digging in and actually shorten stopping distances.
• Reduced driver fatigue: ABS helps eliminate the need for threshold braking (pumping the brakes), reducing driver fatigue.

Here are the cons or disadvantages of ABS:

• Increased stopping distances (on dry pavement): On dry, paved surfaces, ABS may not significantly reduce stopping distances compared to skilled threshold braking.
• Can be less effective on uneven terrain: On very rough or uneven surfaces, ABS may not be as effective in maintaining control.
• Cost of repair: While generally reliable, ABS components can be expensive to repair or replace if they malfunction.

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What Is The Cost Of Repairing or Replacing ABS In A Car?

The cost of repairing or replacing an ABS system can vary depending on the make, model, and complexity of the system. Repairs like replacing an ABS sensor will cost upwards of Rs. 5,000 while repairing a more complex fault could run into lakhs.

How To Fix Aftermarket ABS To A Car?

Adding ABS to a car that didn't come with it from the factory is generally not recommended due to the complexity and cost of installation. ABS systems are intricately linked to a vehicle's braking system, and improper installation can compromise safety.

For most vehicles, your best bet is to maintain the existing ABS system and ensure it's functioning properly through regular servicing.

In India, all cars sold since 1 April, 2019 come with ABS as standard across the range. 

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Also Read: Hill Start Assist Or Hill Hold Control – Feature Explained