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Antilock brake systems and traction control technology continues to improve on modern vehicles. In fact, it would be hard to find a new car today. That does not have an ABS system as standard equipment.

These brake control systems add yet another electronically controlled system to the already complex automobile. These electronic brake systems can be troublesome, and make the driver question, whether they are worth the time and money to repair.

Many people will drive around with their ABS light on, or even worse put some black electrical tape over the symbol. Their reasoning behind this is the light is on, but the brakes feel fine. To understand why we should repair the light. It's probably best to understand what the system does for us.

The antilock brake systems can be thought of as a hydraulic pumping of the brakes that is electronically controlled. This currently is the most effective way to stop a vehicle under emergency braking conditions.

Back 25 years ago, new drivers were taught to pump their brakes during panic stops to avoid wheel lockup and the loss of steering control. The antilock brake system simply does the pumping for you, but with much faster and more efficient pulsations that the human foot is just not capable of.

Brake lockup greatly increases stopping distances. You have to keep in mind that a tire that is about to slip produces more friction against the road than one that is locked and in a skidding condition. Once a tire loses its grip on the road friction is reduced and the vehicle takes much longer to stop.

If a driver should slam on the brakes and hold the pedal down hard on a vehicle with out an antilock brake system. The tires will for sure lock up and skid across the surface of the road.

In a similar condition if this very same vehicle has an ABS system, the brakes will be applied and release rapidly automatically. This is accomplished through hydraulic pressure modulation. Basically where an electronic control unit meters the fluid.

It is this electrical brake computer that will turn on the abs light to notify the driver of a malfunction. It is also a warning to the driver that the anti-lock brake system might not function as expected. Yes you will still have brakes. But like 25 years ago they will not pulse in your defense.

This is why you should look into fixing abs lights. Let your vehicle stop in the most efficient way. The way the factory intended. If you are looking for information on how to replace brake pads I have the perfect video om my brake job page.

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