| Much about the evolution of the automobile | | | | foot pushing the brake pedal. |
| focuses on making it go faster, handle better and | | | | The ABS is particular effective when you get into |
| use less fuel to do so. Little is discussed about the | | | | the details. First, the system will prevent skidding |
| evolution of making a car stop more efficiently. | | | | by releasing brake pressure if the wheel suddenly |
| This primarily do to the fact brakes are fairly | | | | stops spinning while the car is moving. This tells |
| simple systems and the one major evolution, | | | | the computer a skid has started. This often |
| anti-lock braking systems, have been with us for | | | | happens at such a minute level that your car may |
| some time. | | | | actually skid a fraction of a second before the |
| So, just what is an anti-lock braking system? | | | | computer corrects the brake pressure. You rarely |
| Better known as ABS, it is a computerized | | | | will notice it happen. |
| system that helps keep your car from skidding. | | | | A quality ABS system is also going to counter |
| As anyone who has ever skidded in a car knows, | | | | balance the brake pressure on the four wheels. It |
| control is lost the minute the wheels lock up. ABS | | | | will apply more pressure on certain wheels |
| is often categorized as a performance issue, but | | | | depending on the situation. This is a development |
| it is really a safety issue for this reason. | | | | from auto racing. As race cars ran a lap, they |
| There is one additional benefit to using ABS. | | | | rarely needed braking more to one side of the |
| Skidding is horrible for your tires. Every skid | | | | car or the other depending on the corner and |
| creates a flat spot on the tire wear the friction | | | | conditions. This technology has leaked down to |
| literally burns away the tread. A good skid can | | | | street cars and you'll find it further enhances the |
| turn your smooth riding car into something that | | | | braking ability of your car. |
| feels like it is rolling on metal squares. Replacing | | | | What if you are driving and the ABS warning light |
| four tires is expensive, and ABS can help you | | | | comes on? Obviously, you need to get the |
| avoid doing that too often. | | | | system looked at. The light, however, does not |
| Most cars come with four wheel ABS these days. | | | | mean the brakes have failed. The ABS is |
| The ABS is a computerized system. It monitors | | | | bootstrapped onto the basic brake system. You |
| the speed of each of the wheels as they spin | | | | can still stop and start the car, but it will feel |
| through sensors. When you press the brake | | | | dramatically less responsive so make sure you |
| pedal, the computer triggers the brake system to | | | | react early to any potential need to slow down or |
| apply the appropriate pressure to the brakes. It | | | | come to a stop. |
| does this much more efficiently than a human | | | | |