ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System.
It’s a safety system in vehicles that prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden or hard braking, helping the driver maintain steering control. ABS works by automatically modulating brake pressure to each wheel, especially in slippery or emergency conditions.
Key Components of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System):
- Speed Sensors
These sensors are mounted on each wheel and monitor the rotational speed of the wheels. They help calculate both the speed of the vehicle and detect wheel lock-up conditions. - ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
The ECU receives data from all speed sensors and calculates the slip ratio—the difference between the actual speed of the vehicle and the rotation speed of each wheel. If the slip ratio exceeds safe limits (indicating a possible wheel lock), the ECU intervenes. - Brake Force Modulators
These units regulate brake pressure by controlling the flow of brake fluid. Based on commands from the ECU, they apply, release, or hold brake pressure in rapid cycles. This pulsing action prevents wheel lock-up and maintains traction and steering control during hard braking.
How ABS Works
When sudden braking occurs, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) receives signals from the wheel speed sensors installed on each wheel. These sensors continuously monitor the rotational speed of each wheel. If the ECU detects that one or more wheels are about to lock up, it immediately activates the brake control valves on the affected wheels.
These valves rapidly apply and release the brake pressure in pulses using Brake Force Modulators thereby maintaining traction and allowing the driver to steer safely while braking hard, avoiding skidding and potential loss of control.
Key benefits of ABS:
01. Prevents skidding
02. Maintains steering control
03. Reduces stopping distance on slippery roads
04. Enhances overall driving safety
EBD – Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
EBD is a safety system that works in conjunction with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to optimize the distribution of braking force across all wheels. It adjusts the brake force to each wheel based on various factors like road conditions, vehicle speed, and load distribution.
In front-engine cars, more weight rests on the front axle, reducing the chance of front wheel lock-up. EBD senses when rear wheels are at risk of locking under braking—especially when the vehicle is lightly loaded at the rear—and reduces brake pressure to those wheels to maintain stability.
During cornering, for example in a left turn, the outer wheels (right side) rotate faster than the inner ones (left side). If too much brake force is applied to the inner wheels, they can lock up and cause oversteer. EBD detects this risk and reduces brake pressure to the inner wheels, maintaining better control and traction.