Anti-lock braking system (ABS) technology has been around for nearly 50 years, to the point that it’s a safety feature we no longer discuss. So much so that some drivers, when the system activates during hard braking, don’t know what’s happening with their brake pedal. So much so that a little refresher is in order, especially as winter sets in and many of you will be relying on your ABS brakes.
ABS brakes first appeared with the 1966 Jensen FF
They became widespread in the 1990s
Since 2013, they’ve been mandatory on all new vehicles sold in Canada
Let’s look at what they consist of, after putting everything in context.
Simple Yet Pioneering Technology
Sometimes the most sophisticated technologies aren’t the most effective. Contrariwise, straightforward innovations can prove revolutionary. It’s the case with ABS brakes, which transformed automotive safety when they became widespread in the ’90s.
As the name suggests, ABS prevents wheel lockup during braking. The very idea behind this technology dates back about 100 years (to the 1920s) to the aviation field. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the first system appeared on an automobile, initially tested on prototypes, then on the production Jensen FF starting in 1966.
1966-1971 Jensen FFChrysler’s Imperial division offered a system in 1971, but it was short-lived due to its lack of effectiveness. Lincoln offered ABS on its Continental in 1975, but only for the rear wheels.
It was in 1978 that we saw a more effective application, with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The system appeared with Jeep and Ford in the 1980s, but by the early 1990s, it became more accessible across a broader range of vehicle lineups. In fact, during that decade, the technology spread like wildfire throughout the industry.
How It Works
The system’s operation couldn’t be simpler. During hard braking, sensors on each wheel detect whether any are locking up. If so, the system releases and reapplies the brakes several times per second to prevent the wheels from locking. If the wheels lock, the driver has no control over the vehicle. With wheels that remain active, it’s still possible to steer the vehicle to avoid an obstacle, for example.
What surprises some drivers is the rapid pulsation felt in the brake pedal. In the past, we pumped the brakes to avoid lockup. Now, it happens automatically and infinitely faster.
Understanding Its Limitations
ABS is invaluable on slippery roads, as it allows the driver to maintain control of their vehicle. It doesn’t automatically reduce braking distance; it stabilizes the process. On a dry, hot surface in summer, locked brakes will reduce braking distance while ABS will increase it. The result can vary depending on the situation.
The big difference, and it’s important to emphasize this, is the stability it provides. And nowadays, ABS works in concert with other technologies, such as stability control and emergency braking, to offer even greater safety.
For those who have never experienced ABS activation, know that the sensation you’ll feel with the brake pedal is normal and that you can still steer the vehicle with your foot on the brakes.
