Emergency Braking: Learn about ABS Brakes
Emergency Braking: Learn about ABS Brakes
According to Transport Canada, ABS is an abbreviation for Anti-lock Braking System. It was designed to help the driver maintain some steering ability and avoid skidding while braking. ABS was introduced in the mid-1980s and has become standard equipment on the majority of vehicles sold in Canada.
ABS in cars and most multi-purpose vehicles (MPV’s) and pick-up trucks works on all four wheels, promoting directional stability and allows steering while maximizing braking. ABS uses wheel speed sensors to determine if one or more wheels are trying to lock up during braking. If a wheel tries to lock up, a series of hydraulic valves limit or reduce the braking on that wheel. This prevents skidding and allows you to maintain steering control when stopping quickly.
When braking on dry or wet roads, your stopping distance will be about the same as it is with conventional brakes. Road hazards that may cause the ABS to function unexpectedly include gravel, sand, ice, snow, mud, railway tracks, potholes, manhole covers, and even road markings when it is raining. The ABS cannot make up for road conditions or bad judgment. It is still the driver’s responsibility to drive at reasonable speeds for weather and traffic conditions. As always, keep your distance and plan ahead to avoid collisions and unsafe driving practices.
You should familiarize yourself with how the system functions by first reading your vehicle’s owner’s manual and then testing your ABS in an empty parking lot under various climatic conditions. To effectively use your ABS, apply steady and constant pressure. Ensure you do not take your foot off the brake pedal until the vehicle has stopped and do not pump the brake. You may hear a noise or feel vibration; however, this is normal and indicates that the ABS is active.
Things you may notice include:
- A groaning noise.
- A rapid pulsing of the brake pedal.
- A periodic dropping of the brake pedal.
- A hard (non-compliant) brake pedal.
- A light that turns on to say “low traction”.
If your brake pedal pulses every time you apply the brakes, this may be a symptom of warped brake rotors or seized brake calipers that require servicing. Transport Canada recommends that if you are experiencing any abnormal braking, have it checked out by a professional. At Speedy Apollo, we offer abs car service in Calgary and will diagnose and repair the issue for you.
Contact Us for ABS Service & Brake Repairs in Calgary
We also offer brake repair in Calgary and will service all types of braking systems including: disc brakes, drum brakes, engine brakes, regenerative braking systems, parking brakes, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). As part of our professional service, we will educate drivers on problematic driving habits that create excessive brake wear, and then recommend alternate styles and habits for improved brake life.
Have further questions about your brakes? Call Speedy Apollo Auto Service Centres today!Always remember when in doubt, check it out!