Then along came ABS (Antilock Braking System) in the 1980s and you had to forget everything you learned about braking. With this new system came new rules and many people had (and still have) trouble adapting to antilock brakes.
Drivers need to learn how to properly use antilock brakes because it seems that the technology is here to stay. After hitting a flat spot for a few years when some experts questioned the usefulness of the system, ABS appears to be gaining acceptance with car buyers, according to a survey by Ward's Automotive Reports conducted earlier this year.
A final tally of 1999 production vehicles indicated that antilock brakes were present on 65.1% of the passenger cars built in the United States, Canada and Mexico. This is up from 59.2% in 1998 and marks the biggest increase for the technology since 1994.
Despite the strong penetration in the car market, recent surveys indicate that almost half the drivers on the road still do not know how to use antilock brakes properly.
antilock brakes do work
Regarding the controversy in recent years about the usefulness of ABS, some people argued that the system causes as many accidents as it prevents. But recently, studies demonstrated that the technology is helpful, drivers just need to know the situations in which it works best.So before learning how to use antilock brakes, drivers should know the effectiveness of the technology. Although the system is useful, it does not help stop the car in all situations. Studies determined that ABS works best at stopping cars (and thus reducing accidents) on roads made slick by rain, snow and ice. But the benefits of the technology in other circumstances are less clear. Studies also indicate that antilock brakes have no advantage in reducing the number of fatal accidents.
One last comment about the usefulness of ABS. Despite the recent controversy, drivers should note that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to recommend the technology to consumers. In addition, many insurance companies give discounts to policyholders with antilock brakes.
understanding the technology
During hard or emergency braking, cars with conventional braking require the driver to pump the brakes. When doing this, some or all the tires slide or skid on the road. How the vehicle skids depends on the coefficient of friction between each tire and the road surface it contacts. The car may skid straight forward, to the left or right, or it may spin. In any of these situations, the driver loses control of the car.The idea of the antilock brake system is to prevent wheel lockup and eliminate skidding during emergency braking so drivers can maintain control of the car. It automatically and rapidly pumps the brakes 15 to 18 times per second.
Although there are different types of antilock brake systems, all operate similarly. Sensors monitor the rotational speed of the wheels. As brakes are applied and a vehicle slows, an electronic control unit determines when any wheel is about to lose traction and lock. The unit then signals for reduced brake pressure to prevent the wheel from locking up.
Since the wheels don't lock, the car remains stable when pressing on the brakes and the drivers are able to steer around objects in front of them, such as other cars. This benefit works on both dry and slippery roads, but is more helpful on wet roads because wheel lockup is more likely in those conditions.
educating drivers
The biggest tasks facing the auto industry when educating drivers about ABS is how to use the brake pedal. For many people, the idea of pumping brakes is ingrained in their heads.Keep your foot firmly placed on the brake pedal when using ABS. Also, don't back off the pedal if it begins to pulsate, push back or make noises -- that is normal.
Even though most people don't take the time to thoroughly read their car owner's manual, they should. The manuals contain important information about how ABS technology works and how to use the system.
caring for antilock brakes
Having a car with antilock brakes involves more than understanding how to use the technology -- consumers also should know how to properly maintain the system.Antilock brakes require frequent maintenance because of the technology and parts of the system. Repair bills could run as high as four figures when there is a problem with the system.
Mechanics say that ABS needs fluid changes more often than traditional brakes because brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can cause problems with complex antilock brake components more easily than traditional brakes. Changing the fluid purges the moisture.
Repair shops will charge roughly $40 US to change the fluid. The big expense comes when mechanics have to replace the ABS hydraulic modulator on cars that are several years old. The bill for that repair? $600 to $800 US.
If you have a car with an antilock brake system, it is not only important to understand how to properly use the system, but also to realize that the technology, while effective, does have its limitations.
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