Anti-lock Braking

The Anti-lock Braking System

The Anti-lock Braking System prevents the wheels from locking up by automatically modulating the brake pressure when the driver brakes hard. In slippery conditions with low friction between the road surface and the tyre, the wheels easily lock, making it impossible to control the vehicle. By preventing the wheels from locking, the system enables the driver to maintain steering control and to stop in the shortest possible distance under most conditions.

The system detects sudden decelerations in the spinning of each wheel, and reduces the pressure on that brake until it again detects acceleration. It can do this very quickly, before the tyre can actually significantly change speed. The result is that the tyre slows down at the same rate as the vehicle, with the brakes keeping the tyres very near the point at which they will start to lock up. This gives the system maximum braking power.

ABS was first used in cars in 1970. In 2006, 91% of new vehicles were equipped, and the penetration rate was 66% in the whole vehicle park in Europe.