An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is used on buses, trucks, cars, motorbikes, and aeroplanes. To retain tractive contact with the road surface and give the driver better control over the car, ABS works by preventing the wheels from locking up when braking.
The ABS feature is widely praised as a technological advancement that dramatically lowers the likelihood of accidents. We go over all there is to know about ABS, including its functions, benefits, and the various types you may find in contemporary vehicles.
Due to their comfort and affordability, many use cars to commute in India.
Having a proper car insurance policy is critical whenever you drive your car. Before getting on the road, your car must always be in good working order and have comprehensive or third-party car insurance.
What Exactly is an Anti-lock Braking system?
As the name implies, ABS prevents the wheels from locking when you apply the brakes. Additionally, it shortens the braking distance and gives you control of the car even when the brakes are pressed. There are four main parts of ABS.
Speed Sensors: These sensors keep track of the wheels' speed.
Valves: The brake line contains valves that permit, restrict and release pressure on the brakes.
Pumps: When brakes are applied, hydraulic fluid-filled pumps pressurise the brake drums or callipers.
ECU: In response to the signals from the speed sensors, the electronic control unit (ECU) takes action.
Additionally, for financial support in case of an untoward incident involving your vehicle, purchase comprehensive car insurance.
Brake Types
Anti-lock braking systems employ various strategies depending on the brakes being used. The number of channels, the number of individually controlled valves, and the number of speed sensors allow for differentiation.
1) Four-sensor, Four-channel ABS
Each of the four wheels has a valve and a speed sensor. With this configuration, the controller keeps track of each tyre separately to ensure it applies the maximum amount of braking force.
2) Four-sensor, Three-channel ABS
Each of the four wheels has a speed sensor and a separate valve. However, only the two back wheels have a single valve. Typically, older automobiles with four-wheel ABS employ this kind.
3) Three-sensor, Three-channel ABS
With this system, which is frequently found on pickup trucks with four-wheel ABS, each front wheel has a speed sensor and a valve, while the rear wheels each have a valve and a sensor. The rear axle houses the speed sensor for the back wheels. This mechanism individually controls the front wheels, allowing them to brake with the greatest possible force.
4) Four-sensor, Two-channel ABS
One control valve is used for the front and rear wheels as a pair in this arrangement, which was frequently used on passenger cars from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s. The control module pulses the valve for both wheels on that end of the car if the speed sensor detects lock-up at any one wheel.
5) One-sensor, One-channel ABS
Pick-up vehicles, SUVs and vans with rear-wheel ABS frequently have this system. It has a single valve that manages both back wheels and a single-speed sensor in the axle. The operation of this system is identical to that of a three-channel system's back end. Before the ABS engages, both back wheels must begin to lock up since they are monitored together.
How does ABS Function?
When using a normal brake, the brake pads press against the wheel disc when you depress the pedal, stopping the wheels' rotation. With ABS, the speed sensors monitor the wheels' reducing rotation as you apply the brakes. The electric control unit receives a signal from the brakes just before they stop rotating (ECU).
Through valves and pumps, the ECU partially releases the brake pads from the wheels, which continue to turn as a result. With ABS, the wheels may keep turning as you apply strong braking, giving you control of the vehicle.
Without ABS, the wheels would stop or lock up as soon as the brakes apply, causing the car to slide from the velocity of the wheels as they move. In this scenario, the car would travel a considerable distance owing to sliding, and you wouldn't be able to control it because the wheels were locked.
Additionally, if the vehicle's left and right wheels are on different traction surfaces, using the brakes will result in varying frictional forces on the wheels. This generates torque and sends the car into an uncontrollable spin.
So, you must have car insurance if some mishap occurs.
Benefits of the Anti-lock Braking System
As the brakes are applied and released several times in a single second while an ABS is in operation, the system ensures that the wheels do not lock up when braking forcefully. The car slows down while keeping its grip, and the steering inputs are also possible thanks to the existing traction.
This aids the driver in controlling the car to prevent collisions. Thus, the sophisticated Anti-lock braking system provides important advantages over conventional brakes. Additionally, get comprehensive car insurance for financial support should the accident happen.
- As the necessary amount of pressure is exerted to stop the car, an anti-lock braking system shortens the distance needed to stop.
- The car stops without the wheels locking up, preventing uneven tyre wear.
- The traction control system benefits from ABS.
- Reducing brake disc and pad wear is important.
- You can control the car around obstacles in the event of hard braking.
Conclusion
When the brakes are applied, an electronic control unit in the anti-lock braking system prevents the wheels from locking and keeps them rotating erratically. Due to the terrain, varying speeds, and weights during rotation, each of the four wheels need a different amount of brakeforce to stop.
You can read about Anti Braking System and its importance on Paytm.
Read more -
