Moje Auto on Facebook Moje Auto on Tiktok Moje Auto on Youtube Moje Auto on Instagram

How does the ABS system in a car work? What should braking with ABS look like?

ABS system

(photo: Unsplash)

Artur Owczarek
Artur Owczarek

Brand Product Manager Moje AutoHe has been involved in the automotive industry for years. He is passionate about cars and detailing. On his blog, he shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips on how to effectively care for your car and extend its life.

The ABS system in a car is no longer a luxury, but it is certainly a great convenience. More than half of drivers who can use it cannot do it properly. They do not fully use the potential of their car. ABS in the car and its lack determine the appropriate braking technique. Braking with ABS is more efficient, regardless of the conditions, if we can do it well, of course. How does ABS work? Should you press the clutch when braking? How to brake with the ABS system and use all its advantages?

  • The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking when braking.
  • The system increases safety when turning.
  • You can drive with a damaged system, but it is less safe.
  • Check what they mean lights in the car!

 

A few years ago, during driving courses, future drivers learned the theory of pulsation braking, but only a few of them mastered this practice. The ABS system supports pulsed braking, making it easier for drivers to perform this maneuver in all conditions. Braking with ABS However, it seems to be a difficult art when we analyze the statistics of people who actually do it well.

What is ABS?

ABS system - moving car

First, a definition, so what kind of system is this? ABS is a system that prevents the wheels from locking while braking.. This allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. With ABS, the car can brake more effectively, especially on slippery surfaces, minimizing the risk of skidding. This system works by pulsating the brake pressure when it detects that a wheel is starting to lock up. This is one of many car safety systems

How does the ABS system work?

We already know what it is, but how does ABS work? It actually locks the wheels, but only for a short time. ABS reduces the pressure in the brake system, when the wheels slip for longer. This allows them to regain traction and lock again. As a result, this often means avoiding a collision or accident. 

Check, what is the ASR system!

What is this system made of?

The ABS system consists of wheel speed sensors, a controller that analyzes the signals from the sensors, and a pressure modulator. The entire process described above occurs very quickly. Every second, the pressure in the brake system decreases several times and the wheels lock again. Such braking with ABS allows the driver to keep the car stable during a sudden reduction in speed, shorten the braking distance and maintain the car's steerability.

Benefits of ABS braking

(infographic. My Car)

ABS in the car activates automatically, which the driver feels as a slight vibration on the brake pedal. If you have a new car that you bought in the European Union after July 1, 2004 or in Poland after 2006, you can be sure that it has an ABS system.

How to brake with ABS?

ABS braking - car on the road

Primarily braking with ABS requires understanding how this system actually works and for what purpose it is used in new cars. Only then will you feel the difference in the quality and effectiveness of braking. Braking with ABS will certainly increase the safety of the average driver, even in more difficult conditions. However, it will not always shorten the braking distance. It depends primarily on the grip. The worse it is, the longer the braking distance. The assured controllability of the vehicle allows you to calmly bypass an obstacle if the brake pedal is pressed as hard as possible.

Emergency braking

System ABS in the car works perfectly during emergency braking. However, many drivers wonder whether the clutch should be pressed when braking, since we have a car with ABS. Namely, we need to press two pedals at the same time - the clutch and the brake. We hold them until we reach the desired speed. During emergency braking, we press the clutch pedal, because the combination of the engine work with the wheels slightly interferes with the work of the ABS system. This means that the braking distance is longer. The engaged clutch can also cause the engine to stall. Emergency braking with ABS also requires pressing the brake pedal as hard as possible. This is a signal to the system that we want to brake as quickly as possible.

Braking errors

Not knowing this theory, drivers release the brake pedal. ABS in the car causes it to pulsate when braking, which many people interpret as the vehicle not operating properly. Another reason is the decrease in braking force, which makes us feel as if the car is not responding to our "brake" message.

Comfortable turning

Car with ABS - car on the street

A big advantage ABS system is the possibility of turning with the brake pedal pressed. The wheels lock only for a moment, which the driver does not feel. However, there is greater resistance and the car turns more slowly. In this case, you also need to know how to use the system correctly, for example, to avoid an obstacle. How to do it? Press the brake as hard as possible, but focus on a gentle turn, because it will be impossible to make a sharp turn. You can only release the brake pedal when you are sure that you can avoid the obstacle without braking.

Braking without ABS

Unfortunately Braking without ABS has one major drawback - it is unpredictable. Lack of experience and insufficient knowledge of the vehicle means that sometimes we will be able to brake in an emergency, and other times complications may occur. If the car does not have the system, it is more difficult to brake to avoid an obstacle and there is a greater risk of skidding. However, this does not mean that such vehicles are less safe, the braking technique is simply different.

What does the ABS light mean?

What does the ABS light mean? - light on the dashboard

Anti-lock braking system indicator light jIt is easy to locate because it consists of the word "ABS" in a circle. It is therefore difficult to miss. It lights up yellow or orange and should go out when you turn it on, together with the battery indicator light. If ABS light is on - means is a failure. It usually concerns a failure of the wheel speed sensor, ABS pump, valve, short circuit or low brake fluid level. 

Can you drive with damaged ABS?

ABS system - the car is parked on the road

The question then arises whether it is possible to drive with a damaged system. Of course, this is not recommended, because such a failure negatively affects safety. However, driving with a damaged ABS sensor is not prohibited, but it is definitely worth avoiding. After all, in difficult conditions, when sudden braking is necessary - you can lose control of the car.

Summary

  • ABS in the car is an anti-locking system.
  • ABS braking increases safety regardless of weather conditions.
  • During emergency braking, press the brake and clutch at the same time.
  • The ABS system allows you to turn while braking.
  • ABS significantly improves the car's controllability.
How to brake with ABS?

(My Car infographic)

Facilitate access