ABS Revolutionizes Winter Driving Safety
After a hearty holiday meal, driving home through fresh snow in a front-wheel drive car with season-appropriate tires and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) is now safer than ever. Stef Schrader explains the importance of ABS and how to diagnose issues with this crucial safety feature.
Once a luxury, ABS is now standard in most cars. Pioneered by manufacturers like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz in the late 1980s, ABS prevents wheels from locking up during heavy braking, maintaining control and reducing skidding. Today, you can confidently navigate snowy roads knowing your car's ABS will help keep you safe.
However, like any system, ABS can malfunction. The ABS light indicates a problem, such as insufficient data to the ABS controller or unresponsive hydraulic components. Diagnosing the issue involves checking the fuse, cleaning contacts, inspecting wheel speed sensors, and examining the ABS controller. If all else fails, replacing the controller may be necessary, although it's a costly last resort. In the past, driving through snow was more treacherous due to crummy tires and less effective brakes. Now, even if your ABS fails, you can still pump the brakes for normal braking, provided the rest of the system is functioning.
ABS has revolutionized winter driving safety. Regular checks and prompt diagnosis of any issues ensure your car remains a safe haven on snowy roads. Despite its importance, ABS remains a robust and reliable system, a testament to the advancements made in automotive safety.
