What is the purpose of ABS brakes?
ABS brakes are common on most cars today; this feature helps the vehicle proactively prevent brake lock-up, allowing for safe deceleration in emergency situations.
What is ABS braking?
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) is a system that prevents the wheels from locking up during emergency braking, preventing them from skidding on the road surface. This helps the driver maintain control of the steering wheel and keeps the vehicle stable.
What is the function of the ABS braking system? (Illustrative image)
Structure and operating principle of ABS brakes
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) consists of four parts:
The speed sensor (rotor) is equipped on both the front and rear wheels. Composed of a permanent magnet and a magnetic core coil, this sensor helps the vehicle detect its speed and transmit this information to the ECU processor.
The deceleration sensor helps the ABS braking system measure the deceleration of the wheels, thereby allowing for the adjustment of brake fluid pressure. There are two types of deceleration sensors installed on vehicles: longitudinally mounted and transversely mounted, consisting of two pairs of LEDs and transistors, a grooved disc, and a signal conversion circuit.
The ABS brake actuator is responsible for providing the optimal oil pressure to the wheel brake cylinders to prevent brake lock-up. The ABS brake actuator includes an electronic valve, accumulator, electric motor, and oil pump.
The control unit acts as the central control of the braking system. It receives speed information from the wheels and calculates the appropriate oil pressure for the hydraulic brake actuator to prevent anti-lock braking.
The operating principle of ABS brakes
When a vehicle encounters an emergency situation requiring a sudden stop, the speed sensors installed on the wheels, upon detecting that the wheel rotation speed is slower than specified, will send a signal to the central control unit. From there, the central control unit will calculate and instruct the ABS actuator to provide the appropriate brake fluid pressure.
How to use ABS brakes effectively
With each wheel's speed sensor, the ABS braking system will automatically activate when the driver applies the brakes. The driver can check the ABS braking system's operation via the indicator lights on the instrument panel in the cabin; these lights illuminate when the vehicle starts and turn off after a short period of driving.
If the ABS brake warning light is flashing continuously, it means the ABS system is malfunctioning and will be deactivated. Users should immediately take their vehicle to a garage for inspection and repair.
Many users still mistakenly believe that ABS braking systems will shorten braking distance, but in reality, ABS brakes only help the vehicle maintain steering control, limiting the phenomenon of the vehicle skidding and losing control when braking at high speeds.
Therefore, you shouldn't rely solely on the ABS braking system when driving at high speeds, overtaking recklessly, or braking suddenly. The ABS system only assists in safer braking and cannot completely prevent dangerous situations.
With ABS brakes, the driver doesn't need to press or release the brake pedal. In vehicles without ABS, to avoid brake lock-up during emergency braking, the driver will have to repeatedly apply or release the brake pedal.
For vehicles equipped with ABS braking systems, drivers do not need to repeatedly tap and release the brake pedal; simply holding it down is sufficient, as the ABS system performs this action.
