Taxi Driver Online

Here are some "Frequently Asked Questions about ABS"

1. While braking, will there be an indication if ABS is in operation?

When an ABS vehicle is braked, there will be a distinct pneumatic sound arising out of the modulator valve actuation. This indicates that the ABS is working normally

2. Will stopping distance be reduced because of ABS?

ABS does reduce stopping distance in most cases. This reduction is more significant at high speeds. However, the amount of reduction of stopping distance depends on the road surface. In some surfaces such as loose gravel & packed snow, a non-ABS vehicle under panic braking situations has a shorter stopping distance.

When a non-ABS vehicle brakes on loose gravel / packed snow, the wheels inevitably lock but the locked wheels push against the gravel/snow and a wedge is formed. This wedge aids in stopping the vehicle in a shorter distance. Of course, accelerating out of loose gravel is more difficult than shorter braking!

3. How is ABS better than the conventional air brake system?

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) has an edge over the conventional air brake system on two fronts

i. ABS prevents wheel locking under panic braking and thus ensures vehicle stability by preventing skidding

ii. ABS enables the vehicle to be steered even during hard braking. This enables the driver to steer around an obstacle while braking simultaneously

4. Should one use the brakes differently with ABS?

Manual pumping of the brakes should be avoided in an ABS vehicle. Although pumping the brakes ensures safer stopping in a non-ABS vehicle, pumping interferes with ABS operation. ABS automatically pumps the brakes 5-6 times per second to prevent wheel locking

5. Is ABS fail-safe?

One of the salient features of ABS is its failsafe control philosophy. In the rare event of any malfunction of an ABS component, the ABS control shuts down automatically and normal conventional braking is operational. The ABS warning lamp comes ON and notifies the driver that ABS is not in operation

6. How to extract the maximum benefits out of ABS?

i. Familiarize with ABS. Test drive the vehicle in empty ground and practice ABS braking to get acquainted with ABS

ii. Depress the brake pedal and hold it down during braking. Do not pump the brakes

iii. Do not drive faster or take risky maneuvers because of ABS.

7. Can older vehicles be retrofitted with ABS?

Any vehicle with full air brake system can be retrofitted with ABS kit.

8. Will ABS performance be affected by a change in tire size during replacement?

Use of tires other than original equipment specification is not recommended. Optimum performance of ABS is obtained when tyre size matches with OEM specified one.

9. Should the existing air brake system be replaced to fit ABS?

SCL ABS is available as a retro fitment kit and need only be added on to the existing air brake system.

10. Will ABS work on all automobiles?

Sundaram-Clayton’s ABS has been developed entirely for vehicles operating on full air brake systems.

11. Will ABS ensure stability in all conditions?

ABS provides stability, steerability and safety only under sudden braking conditions. Fitment of ABS doesn’t encourage the driver to drive faster or take risky maneuvers.

Well we don't know jimbo, because you've been asked before but you won't tell us.

It's not that I disbelieve the points you're making, it's just that for the average driver I suspect that the increase in breaking efficacy more than makes up for their more foolhardy driving.

And no matter how careful you are as a driver, you can never fully compensate for the unexpected, such as a tractor coming out of a blind entrance on a country road or a child running onto the street in town. And if there's an unexpected braking hazard (such as a diesel spill) then I suspect the average driver is more likely to stop in a shorter distance with ABS?