What Is An Antilock Braking System?

Each time you start your vehicle, you may have noticed an icon on the dashboard displaying the letters ABS. Those initials stand for antilock braking system, a safety feature that has become standard on most cars and trucks since 2017. But exactly what is an antilock braking system? The mechanics at Al's One Stop Auto are experts in all facets on your vehicle, including the features that keep you and your family safe on the roads. When you drive out of our shop, you’ll be traveling with confidence.

ABS is a feature designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle during sudden stops, when one or more wheels can lock up, causing the vehicle to go into a skid. In years past, drivers were taught to pump the brakes to keep the wheels from locking up, but advances in technology automatically accomplishes this without the help of the driver, who can instead focus on steering the vehicle to safety. An ABS sensor monitors wheel speed to detect when one or more wheels have become locked, and triggers a controlling device that applies the brakes multiple times per second. In newer models, ABS works alongside safety features like traction and stability control.

While ABS brings breakthrough technology to your vehicle, our technicians caution customers not to use this feature as an excuse to engage in risky behavior behind the wheel like tailgating and exceeding the speed limit. Antilock brakes are not intended to give drivers the green light to develop bad habits. Good judgment is still the best safety feature at a driver’s disposal.

When it comes to your brakes or other safety features, don’t wait until the warning light comes on to have your vehicle checked by our technicians. Regular servicing by our courteous, experienced technicians at Al's One Stop Auto ensures you and your vehicle are ready for whatever the road dishes out. Contact us today to learn more about our safety checkup and other services.