What is ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and how it works ?




 Stopping a automobile during a} hurry on a slippery road may be very difficult. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) take plenty of the challenge out of this typically trying event. In fact, on slippery surfaces, even skilled drivers cannot stop as quickly while not ABS as a median driver will with ABS.

In this article, the last in an exceedingly six-part series on brakes, we\'ll learn all concerning anti-lock braking systems -- why you would like them, what is in them, however they work, a number of the common varieties and a few associated issues.


The ABS System


The theory behind anti-lock brakes is easy. A skidding wheel (where the tire contact patch is slippery  relative to the road) has less traction than a non-skidding wheel. If you have got been stuck on ice, you recognize that if your wheels area unit spinning you have got no traction. this can be as a result of the contact patch is slippery  relative to the ice (see Brakes: however Friction Works for more). By keeping the wheels from skidding whereas you block, anti-lock brakes profit you in 2 ways: you will stop quicker, and you will be able to steer whereas you stop.

There area unit four main elements to Associate in Nursing ABS system:
  •     Speed sensors
  •     Pump
  •     Valves


Types of Anti-Lock Brake

Anti-lock braking systems use totally different schemes reckoning on the sort of brakes in use. we\'ll consult with them by the quantity of channels -- that\'s, what percentage} valves that area unit one by one controlled -- and therefore the number of speed sensors.
­Four-channel, four-sensor ABS

This is the simplest theme. there\'s a speed detector on all four wheels and a separate valve for all four wheels. With this setup, a controller monitors every wheel one by one to form positive it\'s achieving most braking force.
Three-channel, three-sensor ABS

This theme, normally found on pickup trucks with machine ABS, encompasses a speed detector and a valve for every of the front wheels, with one valve and one detector for each rear wheels. The speed detector for the rear wheels is found within the rear shaft.

This sys­tem provides individual management of the front wheels, so that they will each win most braking force. The rear wheels, however, area unit monitored together; they each need to begin to lock up before the ABS can activate on the rear. With this method, it\'s potential that one amongst the rear wheels can lock throughout a stop, reducing brake effectiveness.
One-channel, one-sensor ABS

This system is often found on pickup trucks with rear-wheel ABS. it\'s one valve, that controls each rear wheels, and one speed detector, settled within the rear shaft.

This system operates identical because the derriere of a three-channel system. The rear wheels area unit monitored along and that they each need to begin to lock up before the ABS kicks in. during this system it\'s conjointly potential that one amongst the rear wheels can lock, reducing brake effectiveness.

This system is simple to spot. typically there\'ll be one brake line surfing a T-fitting to each rear wheels. you\'ll find the speed detector by probing for Associate in Nursing electrical association close to the differential on the rear-axle housing.­


Questions relating to to ABS

Should I pump the treadle once stopping in slippery conditions?

You fully mustn\'t pump the treadle in an exceedingly automobile with ABS. Pumping the brakes ­is a method that\'s typically employed in slippery conditions to permit the wheels to unlock in order that the vehicle stays somewhat straight throughout a stop. in an exceedingly automobile with ABS the wheels ought to ne\'er lock within the 1st place, therefore pumping the brakes can simply cause you to take longer to prevent.

In Associate in Nursing emergency stop in an exceedingly automobile with ABS, you ought to apply the treadle firmly and hold it whereas the ABS will all the work. you\'ll feel a pulsing within the pedal which will be quite violent, however this can be traditional therefore do not justify the brake.
Do anti-lock brakes very work?

Anti-lock brakes very do assist you stop higher. They forestall wheels from protection up and supply the shortest stopping distance on slippery surfaces. however do they very forestall accidents? this can be verity live of the effectiveness of ABS systems.

The Insurance Institute for route Safety (IIHS) has conducted many studies attempting to see if cars equipped with ABS area unit ­involved in additional or fewer fatal accidents. It seems that in an exceedingly 1996 study, vehicles equipped with ABS were overall no less seemingly to be concerned in fatal accidents than vehicles while not. The study truly declared that though cars with ABS were less seemingly to be concerned in accidents fatal to the occupants of alternative cars, they\'re additional seemingly to be concerned in accidents fatal to the occupants of the ABS automobile, particularly single-vehicle accidents.

There is a lot of speculation concerning the explanation for this. Some folks assume that drivers of ABS-equipped cars use the ABS incorrectly, either by pumping the brakes or by cathartic the brakes once they feel the system pulsing. Some folks assume that since ABS permits you to steer throughout a panic stop, additional folks break out the road and crash.

Some newer info could indicate that the accident rate for ABS cars is rising, however there\'s still no proof to point out that ABS improves overall safety.

Anti-Lock Brake Diagram


Now let\'s place the elements along to envision however anti-lock brakes work as a full. This diagram provides each a pic read Associate in Nursingd an example of wherever the brakes area unit settled in your vehicle.

­For additional info on anti-lock brakes and connected topics, look into the links on future page.
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