Not all anti-lock braking systems are the same, but they generally work by pumping the brakes when the driver is heavily braking.
A Breakdown of the Anti-Lock Braking System How Do Anti-Lock Brakes Work?Īt this point you might be wondering, “How do anti-lock brakes work?” To better understand the answer to this question, let’s break down the main components of anti-lock braking systems. Today, it’s a standard in almost all cars - and it's safe to say ABS has greatly improved the safety of the roads we drive on.
After much trial and error, Mercedes-Benz revealed the technologyįrom then on, anti-lock braking systems were implemented in more and more cars. From here, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz began working on a system that could be applied to cars. Around this time, the braking system was also implemented on motorcycle prototypes to help prevent skidding and loss of traction.īy the 1960s, the system was used on the world’s first four-wheel drive Formula One car. When Was ABS Invented?Īnti-lock brakes were first tested on railway cars and aircraft in the 1950s. Essentially, they keep a vehicle’s wheels from locking up when braking. It can also cause the driver to lose the ability to steer, resulting in the vehicle spinning out of control.Īnti-lock braking systems, which are also referred to as anti-skid braking systems, are designed to prevent this from happening. When this happens, the wheels of your car can lock up, preventing the vehicle from stopping.Īs a result, the wheels can lose traction and cause the vehicle to skid across the road. No matter how good of a driver you are, you’ve probably had to step down hard on the brake pedal to avoid a collision. What Are Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)? So what exactly are anti-lock braking systems, and how do they work? Keep reading to learn all about these systems and what automotive technicians need to know. ABS is now standard on almost all new cars and motorcycles, and it helps with traction control and the driver’s ability to steer while braking. Thanks to anti-lock braking systems (ABS), today’s vehicles are safer than ever before. Have you ever been driving down the road and suddenly had to hit your brakes to avoid a collision? This can be scary, but it is something almost everyone has encountered at one time or another.