Modern vehicles feature quite a few advanced systems that help keep us safer on the roads. Safety features like airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, safety belts, and tire-pressure monitors can all make a huge difference in your safety while traveling at high speeds. But one of the most important safety features of vehicles is probably the ABS system. 

What Is An ABS System?

A car’s ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) is a system that keeps your brakes from locking firmly when you hit the brake pedal. With this system, you can still brake effectively, but the wheels’ axle doesn’t stop turning altogether. 

The Importance of ABS Systems

Without an ABS system, your wheel axils are forced to a stop when you hit the brakes. Your wheels stop turning but your car still keeps moving as it starts to skid over the road. Skidding can be very dangerous since it can make you lose control of your car, especially if you are traveling at high speeds.

ABS systems can’t make your car stop any faster than your traditional braking system. In fact, it can prolong the braking distance a bit. But this system keeps your car from skidding so you won’t lose control. This gives you the possibility to steer your car while braking and can potentially help you avoid an accident. 

ABS systems are also useful for expanding the lifespan of your tires, brake pads, and brake calipers because excessive braking without ABS often results in flat spots on the tyres and causes significant wear on the brake pads. 

Signs That your ABS System Might Be Malfunctioning

Your car’s ABS system is usually checked with every car service. But in some cases, this system can also give out prematurely. Here is a quick look at the most common signs of a failing ABS system.

The ABS Light Comes On

There is an ABS indicator on your dash that usually goes on when something is off with this system. There can be several reasons for this light to suddenly go on like the following;

Malfunctioning ABS Module

This is the traction control system that is designed to cut off power to any wheels that start skidding and reinstates power once the tyre is under control again. When issues with this control system occur, the light will go on.

Low Fluid Levels

Your brake system functions with the help of hydraulic fluid that is responsible for making brake pads push against the wheel to force it to stop. When the fluid levels are low, your brakes won’t work effectively and the light will go on.

Damaged Wheel Speed Sensors

Wheel speed sensors are important for monitoring the speed of each independent wheel. If there are fluctuations in the wheel speed, the traction control unit will make adjustments so all wheels can function at the same speed. But if this sensor malfunctions, your traction, and ABS system can’t tell just how fast the wheel is truly going which may result in all sorts of odd handling and braking issues.

The ABS System Is Turned Off

The ABS light also goes on if the ABS system is switched off. 

The Wheels Skid More

If your car wheels skid more than usual when you suddenly hit the brakes, it could be a sign that the ABS system isn’t working well. The most likely cause for this issue is that the control module isn’t functioning well and doesn’t supply the correct amount of hydraulic fluid to the wheels when you hit the brakes.

Your car’s ABS system is a very important safety feature that can help you avoid accidents. If this system isn’t functioning well or if the ABS indicator goes on, then the best thing you can do is to give A-Plus Auto Electrical & Air Conditioning a call so this system can be sorted out. With the help of experts, your ABS system will be back in good working condition in no time at all.