Things You Should Know About Anti-Lock Brakes

​The brake system is an important component of your vehicle that is frequently overlooked. In 2013, all new vehicles in the United States were obliged to have ABS. As early as the late 1980s, anti-lock brakes (ABS) became standard. Even though anti-lock brake systems are now commonplace, it's still necessary to understand how they operate, why they're crucial, and what they can't do.

What does an anti-lock brake system mean in a car?
When drivers pressed the brakes before anti-lock brake systems became prevalent, the car's wheels would stop spinning and lock up. This can affect the driver to lose control of the car. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up, allowing you to stop faster and avoid the vehicle skidding out of control.

What is an anti-lock braking system, and how does it work?
Drivers were trained to pump the brakes if their automobile was sliding to prevent the wheel from locking up and better control the vehicle. Anti-lock brakes have made it unnecessary to pump them because the ABS does it for you.

ABS is activated by using speed sensors at each wheel. Whether the car is quickly decelerating, these sensors identify when a wheel will lock up. The ABS then pulses the brakes rapidly to prevent the brakes from locking up.

What are the benefits of anti-lock brakes?

• Stopping distance is less.
  With ABS, drivers will notice that their stopping power has enhanced.
• Easily control the brake and steer at the same time
  If a driver does not have enough time to stop before colliding with another vehicle or object, the only way to escape a collision is to swerve.
• Discounts on insurance
  Did you know that having anti-lock brakes on your vehicle may qualify you for a discount from your insurance company? 

Consider These Safety Suggestions
Whether you have ABS brakes or not, you must take extra steps to avoid an accident. Always remember the following braking recommendations:

• Don't be a road rager! If you're constantly braking to avoid rear-ending another driver, you're probably tailgating and driving too close.
• Stopping too soon not only adds wear and tear to your vehicle but also increases the likelihood of an accident. Brake early, rather than waiting until the last possible moment.
• It's best to drive slowly and watch for potential hazards, especially if you're using an automatic transmission.

Conclusion
ABS are fantastic, but you shouldn't rely on it all the time. Speeding in dangerous situations, braking late, or tailgating are not excuses for having ABS installed. Even if you have ABS, you still need to keep a safe gap between you and the car in front of you.

At Hayek Insurance, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. We make sure to go the extra mile to help you with your needs. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at  (805) 496-8835 or Click Here to request a free quote.