Since many cars on the road today have Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) I believe it would be a good idea to take a look at how ABS works and give you some information about them.

Keep in mind, there are literally thousands of different models of cars on the roads today, so this is definitely not vehicle-specific. Some manufactures have vastly different ABS systems with different specifications than others, so if you have any detailed questions, refer to your users manual or dealer.

ABS is a system that helps with quick stops, slippery roads, or in any case when your vehicle is having a hard time stopping. The system works by utilizing sensors on each wheel that feed into a computer that determines if you need assistance stopping. With the system active, it helps the driver maintain control of the brakes and steering and attempts to stop your vehicle in the shortest distance. During routine travel and braking, the pedal of ABS equipped vehicles and non-ABS equipped vehicles will feel the same. However, that all changes when the ABS system activates. When the ABS system is active, the brake pedal will often pulsate, signaling that the system is attempting to help you stop.

Vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Brakes contain several additional parts compared to non-ABS equipped vehicles, such as ABS hydraulic control unit with an ABS ECU (electronic control unit). There are also additional sensors on each wheel that feed into the ECU, so that the computer knows the condition of the wheels at every moment.

If your vehicle has ABS and you see your ABS light on, it would be advisable to have your vehicle serviced. Many times ABS sensors go bad and stop the system from being fully functional. This can be dangerous- if the system is in need of repair, it will not activate when you need braking assistance.

Many motorists recall the days of non-ABS cars when they were instructed to "pump" the brakes when sliding on ice so avoid wheel lockup. ABS has changed that- on vehicles equipped with ABS, you would be ill advised to pump your brakes as this would increase your stopping distance. The ABS system automatically stops your car in the shortest possible distance, and no pumping of the brakes is necessary.

Some trucks and SUVs also have another system, called Rear Wheel ABS. This system is meant to reduce rear wheel lockup during heavy or emergency braking by "watching" the pressure in the hydraulic lines. The system also watches the speed of the wheels during braking in order to activate the system at the proper time.

Make sure your ABS system is working properly to reduce your chances of seeing increased stopping distance in emergencies. While the immediate costs may be uncomfortable, you may save lives or damages in the future by keeping your ABS system working.

(If you didn't already see, the Weekly Poll asks if your vehicle is equipped with ABS, be sure to vote!)