September 8, 2008

Effective Use of Your Vehicle's Antilock Brakes Delivers Maximum Safety Benefits

Source: Bosch

In 1978, it was an innovation. Today, within a short span of 30 years, the electronically controlled antilock braking system, or ABS, has become a standard safety item on most modern vehicles.

"These safety benefits are most apparent when ABS is used effectively to make an emergency stop," says Rob Backode, Group Product Manager for Bosch Braking Systems.

Bosch, which introduced electronically controlled ABS to the automotive market in 1978, is a worldwide supplier of automotive parts and systems to vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket.

Imagine driving down a wet and slippery road and a car suddenly enters your lane in front of you. Conventional wisdom tells you to pump the brakes to slow down and avoid crashing into it. Not so, if your car is equipped with ABS.

"If you are in a sharp braking situation and your car is fitted with ABS, apply continuous and firm pressure on the brake pedal and steer as you normally would," says Backode. "ABS will pump the brakes for you as necessary and keep the car stable, allowing you to steer while braking, and stop safely."

Taking your foot off the brakes may actually prevent this technology from engaging and ABS from performing its function, Backode says.

Speed sensors fitted at each wheel measure the speed and relay that information to a central computer. If a wheel is about to lock up under heavy braking, the system reduces the pressure on that wheel. Once the wheel turns freely, the brake pressure is increased. This release and increase of pressure continues until the driver reduces the force on the brake pedal or the threat of lock up is over.

To make sure your car has ABS, check your instrument panel for a yellow ABS indicator light when you turn on your ignition, or consult your owner's manual.

As Bosch celebrates the 30th anniversary of this groundbreaking technology this year, ABS has become the basis for all newer active safety systems such as electronic stability control and traction control. In 2007, more than three-fourths of all new vehicles worldwide were equipped with ABS.