Q: How does the antilock brake system work?
How does the antilock brake system work?
YourMechanic
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) on your car is designed to help ensure that you’re able to maintain control of the steering when you slam on your brakes. It’s a hydraulic system and supplemental to your main brake system.
The ABS does quite a few things, actually. First, it ensures that none of your wheels lock up during hard braking. Second, it provides braking performance distribution between the front and rear wheels (based on “loading” of your vehicle).
Feeling a pulsation in the pedal during very hard braking is normal – that’s the ABS kicking in. The system pulses rapidly to bring all four wheels to the same speed and avoid locking them up, which can send you into an uncontrolled skid. A pulsation in the pedal under normal braking is a sign that your brakes may need resurfacing and/or pad replacement, though.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Car won't start after the ignition switch replacement
Hello. If your 1998 Buick Riviera cannot be started remotely or when the key is turned all the way, then you either have a bad starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement), or there can be an issue with the starter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement) or the...
Loss of engine power. 2007 BMW 335 xDrive
Hello. There can be several causes for a vehicle to lose power. It is possible that the crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) or camshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) have an intermittent problem. There could also be a problem with the mass airflow...
Car cranks but won't start
Hello. A no start condition can be caused by many things. A few common causes are issues with the fuel, ignition, or engine management systems. It may be possible that one of the components to these systems, such as the...
I have to keep adding oil
Hello. I will assume you are talking about the engine oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-level-is-low-inspection). If there is no visible oil spots on the ground after the jeep has been sitting for short period look at the color of the exhaust smoke. If...
Overheating
If the engine overheats in the first 5 to 7 minutes of running then you most likely have a water pump that is not circulating fluid or the thermostat is stuck in the closed position. You should start and run...
I hear a whining noise as my vehicle increases speed.
These types of noises can generally come from a faulted cv axle or badly worn wheel bearing on the vehicle. A cv axle with torn grease boots may make more noise during tight cornering and a worn wheel bearing will...
2014 lincoln mkz 3.7L When slowing down it gives a bit of a sputter type jerk .. when on the Freeway went to merge gave it has an
If your vehicle is turbo equipped, you might notice a hesitation on acceleration under certain conditions. As far as the sputtering is concerned, that is an engine controls issue that would have to be looked into. The air fuel ratio...
2013 dodge avenger won't start. All electric is fine. Buzzing sound when it tries to start. Occasionally it starts and shuts off.
You have not specified whether the starter motor works "properly" or not versus a circumstance where the engine does crank well but just won't catch and run. By properly, I mean is the starter motor consistently turning the engine over...
Guys to replace a timing cover gasket for a chevy malibu 2012 ls 2.4 do I meed to jsck up the engine?
The position of the engine is not changed. However, to remove the cover and the old gasket, you have to remove the right engine mount. The engine must be supported either with a bar support at top or from below...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
You’re You’re likely already familiar with the much-celebrated Toyota Highlander, but did you know that Toyota has actually offered a hybrid version of everyone’s favorite crossover SUV since 2006? The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the most exciting...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Yukon
When When you want a big SUV that can hold its own, come what may, you’ll be happiest with a GMC Yukon. Although the inside of one of these vehicles can sometimes resemble an upscale hotel room, the 2012 GMC...
Top 3 Reasons Brake Dust Shields are Necessary
Brake dust shields reduce the buildup of road grime, extend brake system life, and prevent premature failure.
Browse other content
Services
Cities
Estimates