How do ABS Brakes Work
ABS stands for Anti Lock Brake System. As many people find out, it really can help to get out of a bad situation. ABS started showing up in the early to mid 1990's. The biggest problem with people who are in a bad situation tend to use to much brake pressure, or pump the breaks to fast or too slow. When you apply to much force to the brakes, the force on the brakes over powers the force of the tire on the road. When this happens you lose all control of the direction of the car. This happens readily when roads are slippery due to rain and snow.
An ABS systems basically pump the brakes for you. Mounted on each brake is a sensor that monitors the speed of the wheel. If the speed changes dramatically the computer will release brake presser on that wheel. The computer takes hundreds of samples a second to ensure that all the wheels do not lock up, and all the wheels are stopping at the same rate. Also TCS (Traction Control System) utilizes the ABS's system to prevent wheel spin under acceleration. When the ABS detects wheel spin in this situation, it applies brake pressure to transfer the power from the wheel that is slipping to the wheel that is gripping.
In newer cars the ABS systems works with a number of other systems to keep you and your family safe. When buying a car, I would recommend a car with an ABS systems on among other safety systems.
