The Acronym Abs Stands For

What does ABS mean on a machine? An anti-lock brake system, or ABS, keeps your wheels from locking during extreme braking. In an emergency, this prophylactic feature helps you maintain command of your car. Simply practise all cars have ABS? Read on to learn the history and working principles of ABS.

The History of ABS

ABS technology commencement emerged in the 1920s when aircraft engineers sought to employ automated override braking to their planes. Notably, ABS was designed to prevent aircraft wheels from locking during sudden deceleration.

By the 1950s, the technology appeared on motorcycles, and by the 1960s, information technology had migrated to high-finish cars. It wasn't until the 1990s when ABS, along with traction command systems, became a common option on many car models. In 2013, ABS was federally mandated, and all new rider vehicles were required to include ABS.

How do you know if your vehicle has ABS? If your car was built during the 2013 model year or later, then it does. If your car was manufactured prior to 2013, consult your owner's manual.

How Does ABS Work?

An ABS uses an array of valves and pumps too every bit sensors mounted on each wheel to control tire grip and monitor brake pressure during hard braking. Here'due south an example of a practical awarding of an ABS:

You're driving on a 2-lane route in moderate traffic with sufficient space betwixt you and the car in front of yous.
Suddenly, traffic comes to a halt, and yous're forced to slam on the brakes. In cars without ABS, the brakes would likely lock, causing you to lose control of the vehicle and perchance resulting in an accident.
With ABS, the system automatically pumps the brakes hundreds of times per second every bit long as your foot remains on the brake pedal.
This prevents you from skidding and often brings the vehicle to a total and condom stop.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ABS

An ABS is intended to bring your vehicle to a quick stop, not only on dry out roads only likewise on glace ones, including those with ice. Cars equipped with ABS do good from lower insurance costs and higher resale value. Insurers comprehend them and consumers value the engineering.

On the other manus, there are a few disadvantages of ABS. For example, they add cost to a new vehicle and are expensive to maintain. Each sensor costs hundreds of dollars to set up if it falls out of calibration. Other disadvantages include longer braking lengths under certain circumstances. Likewise, a clunking accompanies hard braking and ABS activation, and this could cause the driver to release the restriction earlier the vehicle stops.

Your Safety and Ours

ABS prevents accidents and saves lives. However, like other vehicle safety technologies, information technology's no substitute for defensive and alert driving. Try activating your ABS in an empty lot so yous can see firsthand how information technology functions and appreciate how well it performs.

Check out all the brake system products available on NAPA Online, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on anti-lock brake systems, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Auto PARTS store.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Matthew C. Keegan View All

Matt Keegan has maintained his dear for cars ever since his begetter taught him kicking tires can be one mode to uncover a problem with a vehicle'southward suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, Yard-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment arrangement in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Printing Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.