How does ABS work?
Your car’s anti-lock brake system (ABS) is a safety system that prevents your vehicle’s wheels from locking up when you brake. With your anti-lock brake system, you can maintain some steering ability and avoid skidding while braking. The anti-lock brake system modifies the brake fluid pressure to bring the speed of the wheel back to the minimum slip level that is mandatory for optimal braking performance. The system has four major components:
- Speed Sensor: This sensor monitors the speed of each wheel and determines how the wheels should accelerate or decelerate when you brake.
- Valves: There is a valve in each brake line that is controlled by the anti-lock brake system. In the first position, the brake valve is open, allowing the pressure from the master cylinder to be transferred to the brakes. In the second position, the brake valve remains closed and pressure from the master cylinder to the brakes is constrained. In the third position, the valve releases some of the pressure on the brakes. The third position is used as your car comes to a halt.
- Electric Control Unit: The computerized ECU receives signals from the sensors in the circuit and controls the brake pressure.
- Hydraulic Control Unit: By increasing hydraulic pressure, the computerized hydraulic control unit applies or releases the brakes under the anti-lock conditions, depending on the signals given from the ECU.
The anti-lock brake system monitors the speed of each wheel and keeps them turning at the same speed by applying the appropriate amount of pressure to individual wheels. Having a functioning anti-lock brake system helps you maintain control and decreases the chance of your vehicle skidding.
How do I know if my vehicle needs ABS repair?
The following are signs that your anti-lock brake system is in need of repairs:
- Unresponsive brake pedal
An unresponsive brake pedal means that your car will not stop at all, even when you press the brake pedal. This is a very concerning symptom, but the unresponsiveness of the brake pedal will increase over time.
- Brake pads require more effort to push
Pressing your brake pedal should be easy. If you have to press harder for your vehicle to brake, there is most likely a problem with your anti-lock brake system.
- The ABS light is on
This is a sure sign there is an issue with your anti-lock brake system. If your car does not have an ABS light, your Check Engine light will turn on.
- Your brakes are locking up.
If your brakes are locking up or you are experiencing other sporadic issues with your brakes, such as random clicking noises or pumping of brakes, your anti-lock braking system is in need of repairs.
Your Trusted Shop for ABS Repair
We at Clintonville Automotive Repair Service in Columbus have been fixing cars since 1962 and our team of technicians each have decades of experience and are experts in all things auto repair. Here are some reasons you should choose us as your local auto repair shop:
- We service all passenger vehicles and trucks, regardless of model and make.
- Rental vehicles are available for your use while your car is in our shop.
- We have ASE-Certified technicians.
- We provide standard preventative maintenance as well as larger engine and transmission repairs.
- All of our work comes with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty.
If you are in Columbus or surrounding areas, feel free to schedule an appointment with Clintonville Automotive Repair Service today! You can give us a call at 614-300-2995 or schedule an appointment with us online.
