What is the basic function of ABS in preventing skids?

What is the basic function of ABS in preventing skids?

• A. It uses an onboard computer to monitor each wheel and modulate brake pressure to prevent locking while maintaining steering.
• B. It locks all wheels to maximize braking.
• C. It increases engine torque to reduce speed.
• D. It bypasses braking to rely on suspension.

Answer: (A)

ABS prevents skids by keeping wheels from locking during braking. It does this by using wheel-speed sensors to monitor each wheel and an onboard computer to decide when to change brake pressure. When a wheel is about to stop turning, the system reduces hydraulic pressure to that wheel, then quickly reapplies it, cycling as needed. This pulsing keeps the tire in contact with the road, maintaining traction and allowing you to steer while braking hard. It doesn’t lock the wheels to maximize braking, it doesn’t increase engine torque to slow the vehicle, and it doesn’t bypass braking in favor of suspension—the goal is control and steerability during heavy braking.

ABS prevents skids by keeping wheels from locking during braking. It does this by using wheel-speed sensors to monitor each wheel and an onboard computer to decide when to change brake pressure. When a wheel is about to stop turning, the system reduces hydraulic pressure to that wheel, then quickly reapplies it, cycling as needed. This pulsing keeps the tire in contact with the road, maintaining traction and allowing you to steer while braking hard. It doesn’t lock the wheels to maximize braking, it doesn’t increase engine torque to slow the vehicle, and it doesn’t bypass braking in favor of suspension—the goal is control and steerability during heavy braking.