| Antilock brake system (ABS) is an effective | | | | to lock up on slippery and icy roads and once |
| car safety measure fitted in most of the new | | | | the wheels are locked it becomes too |
| cars on Indian roads. This brake system is | | | | difficult to steer. ABS works more |
| the latest innovation in car safety | | | | effectively on such roads. It is much easier |
| technologies and is highly rated among other | | | | to maintain steering and directional control |
| car safety features like traction control, | | | | because the brake automatically pumps |
| child safety tethers, audible warning | | | | pressure to prevent wheel locking and |
| devices, crumple zones, safety belts, head | | | | skidding. |
| restraints, and so on. | | | | |
| | | | Driving with ABS |
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| Today most of the new cars are equipped with | | | | |
| anti-lock brakes but still the drivers are | | | | · Don't pump the brakes. It works |
| not aware of the driving tips and techniques | | | | automatically as soon as the driver firmly |
| to operate an ABS system. The first antilock | | | | lays his foot on the brake pedal. Pumping |
| braking system was introduced in the year | | | | hinders the dynamics of the anti lock brakes. |
| 1936. | | | | |
| | | | · Maintain steering control because |
| Â | | | | these brakes can only prevent wheel locking |
| | | | up and skidding. They cannot compensate for |
| Anti-lock braking system helps in preventing | | | | steering maneuvers, driving faster and |
| wheel locking up and skidding during | | | | maintaining unsafe distances. |
| emergencies and panic braking. Lack of | | | | |
| awareness on how to use the brakes can reduce | | | | · Don't get panic with the noise and |
| the effectiveness. It is essential to learn | | | | vibration when applying anti lock brakes |
| how to operate the anti-lock brakes to | | | | because this sound and feel guarantees the |
| increase effectiveness as well as safety and | | | | working of the brakes. |
| performance. | | | | |
| | | | · Avoid pumping the brakes as they |
| Â | | | | will automatically start pumping. Driver just |
| | | | needs to lay his foot firmly on the brake |
| In the past when ABS was not introduced, | | | | pedal. |
| drivers used to pump brakes to prevent | | | | |
| skidding but this technique of pumping will | | | | · Practice driving with ABS in empty |
| actually hinder the working of ABS equipped | | | | places and parking lots. |
| vehicles. | | | | |
| | | | · There is a difference in driving |
| ABS vs. non-ABS | | | | when driving with four wheels ABS and rear |
| | | | wheel ABS. Four wheel ABS in placed on |
| ABS helps in preventing wheel locking up | | | | passenger cars to maintain steering control |
| during panic stop or emergency situations. | | | | and rear wheel ABS is placed on light trucks |
| The system comprises of sensors that are | | | | to maintain directional control. Rear wheel |
| placed near each wheel to regulate the speed | | | | ABS may result in locking up of front wheels. |
| and determine when the wheels are about to | | | | |
| lock. This prevents skidding. | | | | · When driving with rear wheels ABS, |
| | | | ease the brake pressure to allow front wheels |
| The advantages of ABS are much more as | | | | to roll. Then reapply pressure or pump brake |
| compared to conventional non-ABS system. With | | | | to avoid front wheels lock up. |
| non-ABS system, it is difficult to maintain | | | | |
| steering control over obstacles. Wheels tend | | | | Allow safe distance to stop the car. |