When you get behind the wheel, you rely on your vehicle’s braking system to safely and quickly activate. Brakes that aren’t working can lead to accidents, property damage, and injuries. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) provides an extra layer of protection to prevent these dangerous scenarios. The following guide highlights how the system works and how to drive with this feature.

How Anti-Lock Brakes Work

The concept of all braking systems is to stop or slow down a car to reduce or avoid impact. If you suddenly brake, the movement may cause the wheels to lock up, which makes steering harder. An ABS kicks in to prevent locked wheels so that you can continue to safely drive your vehicle. 

The ABS network has sensors built in to detect wheel motion and monitor braking movements. If you need to quickly hit the brake pedal, the ABS will activate with an automatic pumping action to stop the wheels from locking up so that the vehicle won’t slide off the road or skid into another vehicle, building, or pedestrian.

How to Drive With Anti-Lock Brakes

While the ABS provides additional safety support to a car’s standard braking system, drivers must still know how to navigate. When the system is in operation, keep your foot on the brake pedal but don’t pump it. Apply steady pressure so that you’re able to maintain control of the steering wheel.

Depending on the vehicle, you can tell the ABS is working if there’s a pulsating or vibrating sensation in the foot that’s on the brake pedal. When the sensors detect that the wheels are not in locked-up mode anymore, the system disengages and you can continue with normal driving. 

If you’re having problems with your vehicle’s ABS, contact Whitesell Service Inc. in Waynesboro, VA. Since 1949, they’ve provided top-quality brake installation, repair, and maintenance services, to drivers throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The team of I-CAR and ASE-certified technicians will conduct thorough ABS inspections and repairs. Call (540) 943-3361 to schedule a maintenance appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.