Anti-lock braking system
Posted by carsguide on May 4, 2007
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a system on motor vehicles which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. The purpose of this is to allow the driver to maintain steering control under heavy braking and, in some situations, to shorten braking distances (by allowing the driver to hit the brake fully without the fear of skidding or loss of control). Disadvantages of the system include increased braking distances under certain conditions and the creation of a “false sense of security” among drivers who do not understand the operation and limitations of ABS.
Since it came into widespread use in production cars (with “version 2″ in 1978), ABS has made considerable progress. Recent versions not only handle the ABS function itself (i.e. preventing wheel locking) but also traction control, brake assist, and electronic stability control, amongst others. Not only that, but from history at Bosch its version 8.0 system now weighs less than 1.5 kilograms, compared with 6.3 kg of version 2.0 in 1978.
