ABS Brake System (Antilock Brake System)
The ABS system represents a major contribution to the enhancement of active safety in your vehicle. This system prevents the wheels from locking in a panic stop on almost all road surfaces.
With the ABS system in your vehicle, the following areas are enhanced:
Steering, vehicle remains steerable under all braking forces when ABS is engaged.
Good directional control, no swerving caused by locking of wheels under braking conditions.
Shorter stopping distance, stopping distances are usually reduced because controlled braking is maximized.
Prevention of wheel lock up, no brake- induced sliding and thus no localized tire wear from emergency braking.
The crucial advantage of the ABS system over a conventional brake system is in the area of maintaining directional control and maneuverability of the car in emergency situations.
The increased control that is provided should not induce you to take greater risks with your safety. The limits dictated by the laws of physics cannot be overcome, even with ABS.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate speed cannot be reduced, even by the ABS.
The driver bears the responsibility for all driving maneuvers.
Other vehicles not equipped with the ABS system may not be able to maintain control, especially on wet or poor road surfaces and thus may be more likely to impact you from behind.
Operation of the ABS system
A wheel speed sensor is mounted to each of the four wheels. If wheel lock-up of either of the front wheels or the rear wheels is sensed during braking, the brake pressure is adjusted automatically until the wheel no longer slips.
If braking forces approach the wheel lock-up point for all wheels (panic braking) the ABS system will intervene to provide a rapid rythmic braking. The proper operation of ABS is perceived by the driver as a pulsating brake pedal in conjunction with audible noise and perhaps some vibration.
The functional readiness of all the main electrical components of the ABS is checked by an electronic monitoring system both before and while you drive.