Today’s modern vehicles are filled with new technology that makes them safer, more intuitive, and more fun to drive. 

With over 10,000 parts working to give you this expanded driving experience, it also means more parts can fail over time. 

Few would argue that the braking system is one of the most critical. Anti-lock brakes work to improve braking in stressful, emergency situations. They’re designed to keep you safer while driving and stopping on your daily commute. 

How do you know when they start to fail? How do you know when the anti-lock brake system should be replaced? You may notice several common symptoms that signal it’s time for an inspection. 

How anti-lock brake systems work

Anti-lock brake systems, or ABS for short, are a safety feature in many modern vehicles. These systems are designed to prevent the wheels of a vehicle from locking up during hard braking, which can cause the vehicle to skid and potentially lose control. 

The basic principle behind ABS is that it allows the wheels of a vehicle to continue to rotate while braking, rather than locking up and skidding. To accomplish this, ABS systems use sensors, valves, and pumps to detect when a wheel is about to lock up and then rapidly pump the brake fluid to that wheel to reduce the braking force. This allows the wheel to continue to rotate, which helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle during hard braking.

The first step in the ABS process is the detection of wheel lockup. Sensors located on each wheel measure the wheel’s rotational speed. If a sensor detects that a wheel is rotating slower than the others, it indicates that the wheel is about to lock up and skid.

Once a sensor detects a potential lockup, ABS activates the valves that control the brake fluid flow to that wheel. These valves rapidly open and close, allowing the brake fluid to flow to the wheel and then quickly release it, reducing the braking force on the wheel. This rapid pumping of the brake fluid is known as “pulse modulation.”

The result of this process is that the wheel can rotate rather than lock up and skid. This allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle during hard braking and can help prevent accidents..

In addition to preventing wheel lockup and skidding, ABS systems also provide other benefits to drivers. For example, they can help drivers maintain steering control during hard braking, which can be especially useful in emergencies. Additionally, ABS systems can shorten the stopping distance of a vehicle, which can be especially useful on wet or slippery roads.

Overall, anti-lock brake systems are a valuable safety feature that can help drivers maintain control of their vehicle during hard braking and prevent accidents. While ABS systems have been standard equipment on many vehicles for several decades, they continue to be refined and improved to provide even greater benefits to drivers.

Common symptoms of failed anti-lock brake system

A car’s anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important safety feature that helps prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking. However, like all mechanical systems, the ABS can malfunction and cause a variety of problems. 

Warning Light

One of the most apparent signs of a failed ABS is the illumination of the ABS warning light on the dashboard. This light is usually located near the speedometer and will turn on when there is a problem with the ABS. If the warning light comes on, it is essential to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Reduced Braking Performance

If the ABS is not working properly, the vehicle’s braking performance may be reduced. This can make it more difficult to stop the car in a timely manner, which can be especially dangerous in emergency braking situations. Drivers may notice that the brakes feel “spongy” or that the car takes longer to come to a stop.

Pulling to One Side

If the ABS is not working correctly, the vehicle may pull to one side while braking. This can be caused by a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor or a problem with one of the brake calipers. It is vital to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic if this symptom is noticed, as it can be dangerous to drive a car pulling to one side.

Grinding or Growling Noise

If the ABS is not working properly, a grinding or growling noise may be heard when the brakes are applied. Worn brake pads or a malfunctioning ABS module can cause this. It is crucial to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic if this symptom is noticed, as it can indicate that the brake pads need to be replaced or that the ABS needs to be repaired.

Vibration in the Brake Pedal

If the ABS is not working properly, a vibration may be felt in the brake pedal when the brakes are applied. A problem with the brake rotors or a malfunctioning ABS module can cause this. A mechanic must check the vehicle if this symptom is noticed, as it can indicate that the brake rotors need to be replaced or that the ABS needs to be repaired.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by problems other than a failed ABS. However, if any of these symptoms are noticed, a mechanic must check the vehicle as soon as possible. A failed ABS can significantly reduce a vehicle’s braking performance and make it more difficult to stop the car promptly. Regular maintenance and inspection of the ABS can help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place.

Conclusion

ABS systems are an essential safety feature in modern cars, and a failed ABS can cause a variety of problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Regular maintenance and inspection of the ABS can help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place.