Beginning in the early 1970’s, Ford and Chrysler started putting their version of Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) in some of their models on a limited scale. Today, all vehicle manufacturers are required to have ABS braking systems installed in all their models for sale within the US market because of the added safety that an Anti-Lock Braking System provides drivers when it comes to safely stopping a vehicle during various road conditions.
Instrument Cluster ABS Light
Anti-lock brake systems in vehicles today provide drivers with better braking abilities because electronic and mechanical controls use monitored data from both the vehicle itself, and from driver inputs to prevent the wheels from locking-up and avoiding uncontrolled skidding. Vehicles equipped with ABS do not have to have the brakes continually pumped by the driver to slow down and avoid a collision during inclement weather driving conditions as they did in many vehicles before ABS systems were installed. ABS systems use various sensors, inputs, and controls that are monitored by a computer system within the vehicle to control vehicle braking to keep the vehicle safely onto the road and to help avoid a crash.
With the use of ABS, stopping distances are generally reduced, and work with other vehicle safety systems such as Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System, Emergency Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to maintain vehicle control during emergency driving maneuvers.
ABS System
These systems have greatly reduced vehicle crashes, especially vehicle crashes that involve vehicles running off of the roadway. However, the Anti-Lock Brake system will not work when there is a problem with the braking system. When this happens, the vehicle will revert to old-school type braking, where the driver would have to manually pump the brakes in the vehicle to avoid a skid and slow the vehicle down. Where there is a problem with the Anti-Lock Braking System in a vehicle, the ABS warning light will be illuminated on the instrument cluster.
If you are experiencing this problem in your vehicle, have your vehicle inspected and repaired at a qualified repair shop to correct the problem. Remember with an ABS system that is operating correctly allows vehicles to better maintain control, and can greatly reduce stopping distances during inclement weather driving conditions, and has been proven to save lives.
Make sure the Anti-Lock Braking System is working correctly in your vehicle, and consult your owners’ manual for information on how the Anti-Lock Braking System works in your particular vehicle, and for proper braking procedures. If you do not currently have ABS in your vehicle, be sure to purchase a vehicle that is equipped with modern braking technology when you have the opportunity to buy a newer one.
For more information on Anti-Lock Braking Systems – click here.
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