ABS brakes and its benefits

Driving while encountering a dangerous situation in front of us, our natural reaction is to kick the brake pedal hard, squeeze the wheel down onto the road. However, due to the inertial principle, the fast-moving car could not stand immediately, staging the stiffened wheels still trying to drag another piece, with the shrill shrill of the rubber grinding on the road, then smoke and burning smell emitted by the burning wheels. At that time, the driver could no longer control the steering wheel, the car went staggered, and the risk of another accident was easy to happen.

To adapt to this situation, entering the 1970s, car manufacturers have created the ABS (Anti-Locking Brake System) , which prevents the wheels from locking when braking , especially on wet or frozen road surfaces, so drivers can continue to control the steering wheel, put the car in a safe position in an emergency. And of course it is very effective. So far, every day ABS has improved and has been available in most vehicles circulating in the street. However, along with the increased sense of security, many drivers have psychological dependence, vigilance and the necessary caution when driving. That is the most unfortunate of the obvious shortcomings of any technical innovation, including ABS.

The following section will analyze some basic features of the ABS system, and mention what needs to be done to take advantage of this safety technique.

Basic structure of ABS

Under normal running and winning conditions, the driver does not feel anything different between an ABS system and a non-ABS-standard system. Only when the brakes won, did the new ABS work , then the goal would vibrate with the stuffing higher, followed by a clear "click" sound.

Standard ABS system includes the following components:

Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU): Hydraulic Controller.

Anti-lock Brake Control Module: ABS Controller (anti-lock brake)

Front Anti-lock Brake Sensors / Rear Anti-lock Brake Sensors: Front wheel sensor / Rear wheel sensor.

The mechanism of ABS is explained in a simple way as follows:

- When the driver folds the brake pedal, the brake fluid will be pushed into the Hydraulic Control HCU, and pressed here to raise the pressure before bringing the oil to the brake parts in each wheel.

- While analyzing the data provided by the sensors at the wheels, if the ABS Controller 'felt' a certain cake was about to be locked, it would shut Valve down so that the oil could not fall there. , and open Valve when it is necessary to allow the oil to circulate again, to make sure that the wheel rolls evenly while decelerating, avoiding the locking of the wheels.

- From 20km / h or more, ABS will automatically operate, and we will hear a 'click' inside the machine. When the vehicle moves at a speed of less than 20km / h, ABS will automatically stop working.

- If ABS is malfunctioning, the car will continue to operate with standard brake system. Usually when the yellow light on the ABS clock lights up, indicates a problem, that is when the automatic system is transferred to the standard state, and we must know that the ABS anti-lock braking system is no longer effective. in times of victory.

- ABS works mainly thanks to brake fluid. If for any reason the oil in the system is inadequate, ABS will no longer be effective.

The above are just very basic sketches of ABS mechanism. What is important is that we take advantage of this technology to increase our safety on the street?

Take advantage of the benefits of ABS

Contrary to popular belief, the ABS system does not help us to fasten the wheels faster than usual. The main uses of ABS are: Help the driver master the steering wheel while winning the brake because the wheels are not locked; Doing so was also a great merit. Because, if the wheel is locked while moving, the driver will no longer be able to control the steering wheel, the car will be pushed inertia, it is difficult to avoid accidents.

To take advantage of all the safety benefits of ABS systems, we need to know how to use it properly. Here are a few tips from the ABS Education Alliance (ABS Education Alliance)

Things to do

When an emergency must be won, press firmly and hold the foot on the goal to maintain a constant and steady pressure to promote ABS while breaking the steering wheel to bring the car to a safe position. Don't 'pump' your feet on the goal, even if you feel its vibrations. In some light trucks, ABS is only equipped for rear wheels, and the front wheels can still be tightened and locked up like in non-ABS vehicles. When that happens, the driver needs to lift his foot off the table just enough to relieve some pressure for the front wheel to roll in order to control the steering wheel.

Keep the distance 'at least 3 seconds' with the vehicle in front of you, or further in dangerous situations. When driving on wet or frozen roads, the driver must still be extremely careful and increase the distance with the vehicle in front of him, not rely on ABS.

It takes time to practice driving and practicing ABS. Familiarize yourself with the beat of the goal when ABS is started. It is possible to enter empty parking lots to practice using ABS in case of an emergency win.

Be aware of the difference between the ABS on the 4-wheel drive and the ABS on the rear wheel. The 4-wheel ABS system is often found in passenger cars, designed with the aim of maintaining the driver's handleability of the driver in times of extreme braking. The ABS system on the rear wheels, which is only available in light trucks, is designed to maintain the vehicle's stability and prevent it from slipping sideways.

Things we need to avoid

Never use an ABS system but drive more carelessly or aggressively than a car without ABS.

Never launch quickly while breaking 'crabs', changing lanes, or performing the steering wheel by winding around. . all are not safe for any kind of vehicle. Speed ​​is an important factor. Driving too fast, no matter how quickly the ABS reacts, it can't help us to eliminate the momentum of inertia. Although the wheel is not locked, the car does not slip, you can turn the steering wheel right or left, but the momentum of the inertia still takes you to another direction.

Do not 'pump' your legs on the goal, because doing so ABS system will turn on and off continuously. When encountering a critical situation, ABS will "pump" itself with a much faster and more efficient speed, keeping the wheels from locking, making it easier for the driver to control the steering wheel.

Don't forget to bend the steering wheel when the vehicle is in a dangerous situation. ABS only facilitates us to control the steering wheel, but we cannot drive it.

Do not be alarmed when listening to the soft noise or beats of the pedal when winning the ABS system. This is a normal sign, telling the driver that ABS is operating.

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