Anti-Lock Braking Systems

In recent years, the automotive industry has made significant strides in developing advanced safety features to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the overall driving experience. These safety features are becoming increasingly common in new vehicles in the UAE and are designed to assist drivers in avoiding collisions and mitigating the severity of accidents. From blind-spot monitoring to automatic emergency braking, these advanced safety features are transforming how we drive and contributing to a safer driving environment.

As one of the additions to the safety features lineup, the anti-lock braking system has become increasingly popular in modern vehicles. It prevents the ‘locking up’ of wheels during hard braking, allowing you to maintain control of your vehicle and avoid accidents. 

The benefits of the anti-lock braking system, however, extend beyond the previously-discussed ones, as several insurance companies in the UAE may offer discounts and offers on vehicles equipped with this system.

In recent years, the automotive industry has made significant strides in developing advanced safety features to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the overall driving experience. These safety features are becoming increasingly common in new vehicles in the UAE and are designed to assist drivers in avoiding collisions and mitigating the severity of accidents. From blind-spot monitoring to automatic emergency braking, these advanced safety features are transforming how we drive and contributing to a safer driving environment.

As one of the additions to the safety features lineup, the anti-lock braking system has become increasingly popular in modern vehicles. It prevents the ‘locking up’ of wheels during hard braking, allowing you to maintain control of your vehicle and avoid accidents. 

The benefits of the anti-lock braking system, however, extend beyond the previously-discussed ones, as several insurance companies in the UAE may offer discounts and offers on vehicles equipped with this system.

What is an Anti-Lock Braking System?

Before adopting the anti-lock brake system, vehicles relied on traditional braking systems which used friction to slow down or stop the vehicle. This method of braking could cause the wheels to lock up and skid, especially on slippery or wet roads. In such situations, the driver may lose control and potentially suffer an accident. 

The anti-lock braking system was introduced in the automotive industry around the 1970s, but it did not become widely available until the 1980s and 1990s. With the introduction of the anti-braking system, vehicles in UAE and worldwide became equipped with sensors that monitored the speed of each wheel and the computer-control hydraulic system that modulated the brake pressure to prevent vehicle lockup. This advanced technology helps drivers brake hard and in an instant without worrying about the loss of control of the vehicle, making driving safer and more efficient.  

Benefits of Anti-Lock Braking System

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have become increasingly standard in modern vehicles. As discussed above, it allows you to control your vehicle better while applying brakes, reducing the likelihood of accidents. 

Listed below are the standard benefits of anti-lock braking systems in vehicles – 

• The first and foremost benefit is that the anti-lock braking system improves vehicle stability by preventing the wheels from locking up during sudden or hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control.
• Before the introduction of this braking system, the braking distance of the vehicle was more, which increased the possibility of collisions. With the advent of the anti-lock braking system, the braking distance of vehicles on wet and slippery roads is drastically reduced, which means enhanced safety even in difficult terrains.
• Another notable benefit of the anti-lock braking system is that it enhances traction control, especially on slippery surfaces, helping the vehicle to stop immediately.
• Anti-lock braking system prevents skid and lockup, which can reduce normal wear and tear of wheels and extend the life of tyres.
• Anti-lock braking system reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by skidding, loss of control, or extended stopping distances.
• Apart from safety, the anti-lock braking system provides a more comfortable driving experience (especially on uneven roads) by reducing the vehicle's tendency to jerk or bounce during sudden braking. 

How Does Anti-Lock Braking System Work?

The anti-lock braking system consists of four major components – 

• Speed Sensors: They monitor the speed of wheels when they are moving or rotating.
• Valves: The brake line has valves that can take on three different positions to allow, block, or release pressure from the brakes.
• Pump: They have hydraulic fluid and exert pressure on the brake callipers or drums when required.
• Controller: The electronic control unit (ECU) serves as the ABS's central processing unit, gathering information from the sensors to determine whether the brakes should be pumped.

With the help of these components, the anti-lock braking system applies smooth brakes instantly. Let's take a look at how the anti-lock braking system actually works – 

• When you apply brakes, the speed sensors on each wheel send this information to the anti-lock brake system control module.
• In the next step, the anti-lock brake system control module uses this information to determine whether a wheel is about to lock up during braking. If so, it sends a signal to the anti-lock brake system pump to reduce the brake pressure on that wheel.
• This way, an anti-lock brake system reduces the brake pressure on the wheel that is about to lock up while maintaining the brake pressure on the other wheels.
• This process of reducing and re-applying the brakes on the affected wheel happens multiple times per second until the vehicle stops or the driver releases the brake pedal.

How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Impact Car Insurance?

The level of impact of an anti-lock braking system on car insurance would depend on your car insurer and the specific policy. Generally, having an anti-lock brake system in your car can positively affect your car insurance as it is one of the notable safety features that can help prevent accidents or reduce their impact.

Some insurance companies may offer discounts for vehicles with safety features such as an anti-lock braking system. These offers or discounts can lower your car insurance premium and make the policy more affordable. Nevertheless, the amount of discount offered by insurance companies varies depending on your policy - one insurer may offer fewer discounts while another one may offer a more significant reduction in premiums.

When shopping for car insurance, it is essential to inform the insurance company that your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, as this may qualify you for a good discount. You can also contact our in-house insurance expert team to get more clarity on this and resolve your queries.

To Wrap Up

An anti-lock braking system is an essential safety feature in modern vehicles that can improve vehicle stability and control in emergencies, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. The primary goal of this system is to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking, allowing you to maintain steering control and avoid accidents. 

The other major benefit of an anti-lock braking system in your vehicle can be seen on your car insurance policy, as insurers generally offer discounts for vehicles equipped with this system. However, keep in mind that the availability and how much discount is given may vary as per your insurance provider and policy.