The Magic Of Car Anti-Lock Brakes: Why They’re A Game-Changer!

One of the most beneficial safety features to come up in the automotive industry in the last few years is the anti-lock braking system or ABS. It has now become a common feature present in modern cars, and for good reason - it ensures safety to a great extent. Unfortunately, there are accidents where even the most advanced safety features may not work, and your car or someone else’s property may suffer damage. In such a situation, it is important to have a car insurance policy. It can ensure you have the financial support you need to repair your vehicle.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy. To explain ABS briefly, it is a system designed such that when a driver brakes suddenly or aggressively during an emergency, the vehicle does not skid off. ABS controls the wheels so that they do not get locked up. This allows the driver to have better control over the steering of the vehicle. Thus, ABS is essential to maintain safety in times of emergency or panic breaking. Let’s learn about it in detail.

Components of ABS - And How They Work Together 

To understand how ABS works to improve safety, it is crucial to understand its various components. They are:

1. Speed sensors - These sensors are situated on the car’s wheels and help in monitoring their speed.
2. Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) - It is the primary control unit of the ABS, consisting of valves and pumps that manage the brake fluid pressure.
3. Electronic Control Unit (ECU) - It can be considered as the brain of the ABS. Its primary function is to process the data transmitted from the speed sensors and signal to the HCU to manage the brake fluid pressure.
4. Brake pads - These help in stopping the car by applying pressure on the rotors to decelerate the car or stop it.

Now, let’s see how these components work together:

1. When a driver applies the brakes suddenly, the speed sensors within the ABS detect the slowing down of the wheels and spring into action.
2. If the system detects that either or all of the wheels are about to get locked, it will signal the HCU to modulate the brake pressure, i.e., decrease the brake fluid pressure being exerted on that wheel.
3. A signal is then sent by the HCU to the ECU to manage the brake fluid pressure. The ECU then sends a signal back to the HCU to relieve and reapply the brakes.
4. The process goes back and forth until the vehicle stops entirely, or the brake pedal is released by the driver.

To ensure this system works properly, it is important to maintain it and check if all components are in good order. In the absence of a properly functioning ABS, cars can skid off during an emergency situation and cause accidents. One must be prepared with a good car insurance policy to ensure that financial support is at hand if an accident or some other unfortunate event occurs. And, similar to how one must check and maintain the ABS in cars, one should also renew car insurance policy on time.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy.

Benefits of ABS in Cars

There are many benefits to having ABS in cars these days, such as -

Prevents skidding 

As mentioned previously, one of the most common and crucial advantages of ABS is that it prevents skidding during panic braking. This can prevent accidents and damage to the car.

Give more control to the driver

By preventing the wheels from locking up, ABS helps in giving more control to the driver during emergency situations. The driver can use their driving sense to steer the car in the direction they want.

Reduces stopping distance

Even the smallest of distances can make a big difference when it comes to preventing major accidents. Due to ABS, the driver can stop the car at a decreased distance without letting the wheels skid.

Slows down wear and tear 

In the absence of ABS, the brakes may be subjected to higher pressure and the tyres to more skidding. By reducing the chances of such incidents, ABS helps in slowing down the wear and tear of these vital parts.

Another Important Component of Safety in Cars - Car Insurance 

Having ABS in your car is only one element of your car’s safety. Another important element to remember is to have the right motor insurance policy. If you own a car, you may already have third-party car insurance coverage since it is legally mandatory. However, choosing a comprehensive policy can be beneficial, too. Just as ABS adds a layer of security to your driving experience, so does a well-designed comprehensive plan that covers a wide variety of events and risks. To get an estimate of the premium of such a plan, you can use a car insurance calculator.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy.   *Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.