Mastering car safety: A deep dive into anti-lock braking system (ABS)

When it comes to car safety, effective brakes are crucial. They enable rapid stopping, preventing accidents and collisions. Most modern cars these days come with ABS brakes. This anti-lock braking system ensures precise control, especially in emergencies. Neglecting brake health poses serious risks, compromising your safety and that of others on the road.

Before we delve into more details of the anti-lock brakes, if you are someone who prioritises their and their vehicle safety, make sure to invest in comprehensive car insurance. With Zurich Kotak General Insurance you can get the best possible coverage along with the option of suitable add-ons.

Mastering car safety with the ABS brake system

In the traditional braking system, when brakes are applied, one or more wheels can lock up. Here, the brake pads press against the discs, which causes them to lock up, irrespective of the car's speed. The wheels stop rotating, and they cannot be steered. This leaves you, the driver, with hardly any control over the vehicle, which can prove to be quite dangerous. In cases of sudden brakes, there can be a loss of traction between the wheel and the road, causing a skid. This is where ABS come into the picture.

To understand how the anti-lock braking system works, let us take a look at its components:

• Speed sensors located on the wheels help monitor them

• The valves in the brake line allow the brakes to block and release the pressure

• Filled with hydraulic fluid the pumps apply pressure on the brake drums

• The ECU, an electronic control unit, reads signals from every sensor.

When brakes are hit, and they are set to stop the wheels’ rotation, the ECU releases the brake pads partially from the wheels. This allows the wheels to continue rotating, allowing you control even in case of heavy braking.

Advantages of ABS brakes

Here’s a quick guide to the advantages you can expect when you have a car with anti-lock brakes:

• They allow you to have better control, even on slippery roads and through panic-braking

• With the ABS, the braking distance is reduced. This happens as appropriate pressure is applied

• The wheels here are not locked when the brakes are hit. This helps in avoiding uneven wear of the tyres, brake pads as well as the brake discs

While there is no denying that ABS brakes are a safety feature, keep in mind that they might add to the overall cost of your car. The maintenance costs will also increase if the sensors run out of calibration.

Also, when you are on the road, you need to be more mindful as the intricate and delicate arrangement can increase the complexity. Sometimes, adding mechanics may increase the possibility of system damage.

Final thoughts

However, keeping in mind the extra layer of safety that the anti-lock braking system adds to your vehicle, it can be established that it has more benefits as compared to regular brakes.

We wish you safe travels.

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