Mechanic Glossary

ABS

Anti-lock Braking System; a safety system that prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking to maintain steering control.

ABS keeps your wheels from sliding when you slam on the brakes. Speed sensors monitor each wheel. If a wheel stops turning while the car is moving, the system pumps the brakes automatically. This happens up to 15 times per second. It allows you to steer around obstacles while stopping.

When ABS activates, you will feel the brake pedal pulse. This is normal. The driver should keep firm pressure on the pedal. Pumping the brakes manually defeats the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

That vibration is the ABS pumping the brakes rapidly to prevent the tires from sliding on the slippery surface.

Yes, your standard brakes will still stop the car. However, the anti-lock feature will not work in an emergency.

The most common causes are a failed wheel speed sensor, a damaged sensor wire, or a bad hydraulic pump.

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