Introduction
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) is a modern day safety feature for your car. It avoids the lock up of any of the wheels in your car which results in the vehicle's ability to remain in control even in the event of emergency braking. If the case is that you drive a car without ABS, it is imminent that you should consider upgrading your car. In this article we shall discuss the car's upgrade to anti-lock brakes, its benefits, and the factors to consider.
Benefits of ABS
Before we look at the upgrade cycle, however, it’s important to list the advantages of ABS: It prevents the front wheel from locking in panic braking situations. This reduces skidding. This reduces stopping distances. This improves stability and reduces the risk of the car going into a spin. It allows some leeway in the calculation of braking distances. It is an active system, so it does not affect the car’s weight balance while braking, as a servo (or ‘locking’) brake would.
Better steering control: ABS lets you steer around obstacles and avoid collisions when you’re braking hard.
Shorter Braking Distances: ABS allows shorter braking distances on many road surfaces, improving stopping performance.
Preventing skidding: ABS prevents wheel lockup, which means it reduces the chance of a loss of control (skidding) on slippery surfaces.
Stability of Vehicle: ABS will help the stability of vehicle under braking, so that the driver could keep a stable control.
Assessing Compatibility
Determine whether your car is a good candidate for an ABS retrofit and whether a retrofit is feasible: Not all cars are equally good candidates for an ABS retrofit. Perhaps retrofit is easier on newer cars than on older cars, or for whatever reason your particular car cannot be upgraded to ABS. Consult an expert (a garage mechanic, maybe, or an ABS retrofit service) as to whether your car can be retrofitted to ABS.
Choosing the Right ABS Kit
Once you determine your car is a good candidate, the next step is to pick which ABS retrofit kit you want to install. There are several levels of complexity with ABS retrofit kits, and the quality and functionality of the kit will depend on which you choose. Most ABS retrofit kits will have the following components:
ABS Module: The brain of the system: it receives signals from the speed sensors and sends messages to the brake force controller.
Speed Sensors: Sensors that record the speed of rotation of each wheel and send this information to the ABS module.
Valves and Actuators: Components that modulate the brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup.
Hydraulic Pump: A pump that maintains the necessary brake pressure during ABS activation.
Wiring and Connectors: Electrical components that link the ABS to your car’s existing systems.
Installation Process
The ABS upgrade is a quite complex procedure which requires to be carried out by a professional. Its installation process consists of several steps.1.It seems to me that the very first thing to do is the purchase of the correct parts.2.After that, the procedure goes as follows:a)In order to start, the vehicle must be jacked and the wheel removed.b)Then, the wheel hub and the axle must be removed and the sensors must be placed in their proper location.c)The new brake/sensors must be installed.d)Finally, the components must be placed in their original location.3.According to my opinion, I think that the most complicated step is when all the components must be placed in their original location.4.However, I think that the rest of the steps are crucial or they would not be necessary.5.I personally do not agree with the idea of carrying out this procedure by myself because it requires special tools and training, and it may cause damage if not properly followed.
To remove existing brake components: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Install Speed Sensors: Here are the speed sensors installed at each wheel and the wire goes to the ABS module.
The module is then mounted on the car. Normally, this is near where the brake control unit is already installed. 5. Install the ABS Module: Mount the module on your car. Normally, this is near where the brake control unit is already installed. 6.
Like a valve and an actuator: The valve and the actuator are positioned on the brake line to control the brake pressure.
Connecting the Hydraulic Pump: We connect the hydraulic pump to the braking system in order to maintain the pressure at the optimal level.
Wiring and Electrical Integration: The wiring and connectors are installed to tie the ABS into the vehicle’s electric systems.
Checking and Adjustment: After installation, the ABS is checked, adjusted and calibrated.
Cost Considerations
An ABS retrofit can be an expensive undertaking, depending on the ABS system, what components are needed and how complex the retrofit is. A relatively simple ABS retrofit will set you back approximately $1,500, with an upper limit of $3,000 and up. That’s a lot of money, but you can’t put a price on safety.
Maintenance and Care
While ABS is highly effective in preventing accidents, it must be maintained in good working order once your car is equipped with it. Routine maintenance tasks to keep the system functioning as designed include:
Check speed sensors for dust/dirt:Check speed sensors for dust or dirt and clean as appropriate.
Brake fluid: Check that brake fluid is topped up to the correct level, and that it is clear and not dirty.
ABS warning light: If your dash light for the ABS comes on, have your car inspected.
Regular Brake Inspection: Have your braking system routinely inspected by an experienced technician. Identify and treat potential problem early.
Conclusion
Installing ABS (anti-lock braking system) in your car will definitely make your ride safer. You will be able to steer better, brake faster and even avoid skidding. ABS installation is quite a complex process so it can also be a little bit expensive, but it is worth making that investment in your car's safety. Just make sure that you choose the right kind of ABS kit for your vehicle, that you ensure compatibility and that you maintain it properly so that you can enjoy the benefits of ABS and minimize your anxiety while driving.