What’s the Difference Between ABS and Traditional Braking?

Today’s vehicles are safer than ever and are equipped with some of the latest and greatest features. You can find rear view cameras, lane keep assist, traction control and several other advanced safety features.

However, all of these ultra-modern safety features hinge on a functional anti-lock braking system (ABS). Continue reading to learn more about this braking system and how it differs from traditional braking.

Anti-Locking Brake System

An anti-locking brake system (ABS) is an intuitive system designed to help prevent the wheels on your vehicle from locking when placed under heavy stress. If you slam on the brakes when driving because of an emergency situation, a traditional braking systems will grip the brake rotors too hard. This causes the wheels to lock up and makes it extremely difficult to maneuver the vehicle.

Anti-lock braking systems use a series of advanced sensors to precisely understand the situations when your brakes would lock up. Instead of locking up, ABS will pulse to keep the pads from locking onto the rotors, which allows you to maintain a level of control even in the most extreme braking situations.

Traditional Braking Systems

Traditional brakes work on a relatively simple system: you press the brake pedal and clamps bear down on the vehicle’s rotors to reduce the speed of the vehicle. In optimum driving conditions, this process happens seamlessly. However, optimum driving conditions are not always the condition.

In an emergency driving situation, traditional brakes will clamp down and lock onto the rotors. This action can hamper and even prevent you from being able to steer and maneuver the vehicle. Since the tires are not rotating, the only remaining option is to slide straight.

The Difference Between ABS and Traditional Braking

Anti-lock brakes are different from traditional brakes because of the intuitive computer system and network of brake sensors. As you drive a vehicle equipped with ABS, sensors are continually monitoring your speed and the speed at which you slow down. Anytime your vehicle stops quicker than you normally would, the sensors instantly send signals to the computer system controlling the brakes.

Instead of the brakes locking up, the sensors tell the brakes to pulse or quickly release the pressure within millisecond intervals. This instantaneous pulsing prevents the vehicle from locking and allows you to maintain control even.

This innovative system is completely different from traditional brakes, which would require to you to use the pumping method to slow the vehicle down. Anti-locking brakes are designed to work significantly better than the traditional braking system.

Schedule ABS Repair at My Air Bags Today

ABS is one of the most essential safety features on your vehicle. It’s vital all components of your ABS are working properly and communicating effectively. If your ABS isn’t working properly, you could place your safety and the safety of other drivers at risk.

The professionals at My Air Bags offer cost-effective ABS module repair, which is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire system. Contact UpFix today for cost-effective ABS repair.