Beginner’s Guide To Anti-Lock Braking Systems: Stay Safe With TIRECRAFT

Since anti-lock braking systems are used in almost all modern vehicles, it’s important for today’s drivers to know how they work, as well as how they are maintained. And TIRECRAFT is here to help.

Read on for a beginner’s guide to anti-lock braking systems, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to book a free consultation and get a quote on any service or part replacement.

Anti-Lock Braking System Basics: How Do They Work?

When driving on slippery surfaces or slamming on the brakes from high speeds, it is possible to apply braking force that is greater than the tire’s capacity for grip.

When this happens, the wheels lock up, causing your vehicle to skid out of control—unless you’ve got anti-lock brakes, that is.

As the name suggests, the anti-lock braking system stops the wheels from locking up in these conditions, so your vehicle stops sooner, and you stay in control.

But how? Let’s take a moment to look at the different components of your anti-lock braking system and review how they work:

• If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, you will have speed sensors installed on each of your wheels. These speed sensors constantly measure each wheels’ rate of rotation.
• The speed sensors send these rotational metrics to the anti-lock braking system control module. If one or more wheels is rotating slower than the others due to a loss of traction, the ABS system takes action, instructing the brake master cylinder to direct braking force away from the locking wheel so that it releases and regains traction.

  As the wheel gains traction and starts turning again, braking force is reapplied, and this process is repeated up to 20 times per second, causing the ABS systems’ signature juddering vibration through the pedal.

• As a result of this process, the driver’s braking force is applied as intended, without skidding or locking up, so they can gain traction, maintain steering control, and shorten stopping distances. In fact, according to research by the Monash University’s Accident Research Centre, ABS is associated with a 33% reduction of all injuries in sensitive crash types and a 39% reduction in severe injuries in these crashes!

Stay Safe: How To Keep Anti-Lock Braking Systems In Shape

• Drive carefully to reduce the demand on your anti-lock braking system. Like any braking system, ABS wear down with time and heavy use. Accordingly, if you want to reduce ABS wear and maintenance costs, minimize the amount of emergency braking you are forced to do. While not all emergency braking situations can be avoided, many can by simply slowing down and minding your surroundings.
• Commit to regular brake services. We recommend scheduling a brake service after every 12 months or 20,000km of driving—whatever comes first.
• Keep your speed sensors and system in shape. ABS systems combine mechanical and electronic systems to keep you safe, so in addition to hands-on inspections, cleanings and part replacements, you should be investing in digital diagnostics and calibrations.
• Know the signs of anti-lock braking system trouble. If your anti-lock braking system is unresponsive, your pedal is constantly locking up, your speedometer reading seems off, or your ABS light is on, it’s time to bring your vehicle into the shop for service.

Save On Anti-Lock Brake System Service At Your Local TIRECRAFT

TIRECRAFT is Canada’s one-stop shop for anti-lock brake system solutions, gathering all the services, replacement parts, and diagnostic tech you need under one roof so you can save time, save gas, and save money by bundling your services together.

To get a free quote on any anti-lock brake system service, contact your local TIRECRAFT.

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