Antilock General Description

Functional Diagram:

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) is designed to prevent wheel lockup under heavy braking conditions on virtually any type of road surface. Antilock braking is desirable because a vehicle which stops without the wheels locking. normally stops in a shorter distance than a vehicle with locked wheels. Also, a vehicle which stops without the wheels skidding retains directional stability and some steering control. This allows the driver to retain greater vehicle control during heavy braking.

In addition to antilock brakes, some vehicles may also be equipped with a traction control system (TCS). Traction control prevents the drive wheels from spinning excessively during acceleration. The system, designed to operate at speeds under 40 km/h (25 mph) reduces wheel slip by braking the wheel that is losing traction.