Anti-lock Braking System

cars · safety · technology

Stops wheels locking up. When you brake suddenly, an anti-lock system pumps your brakes really fast, thousands of times per second, so your wheels keep rolling instead of skidding sideways on the road.

Better control in emergencies. Because the wheels are still spinning, the driver can steer and avoid obstacles even while braking hard, which is way safer than a locked-up car that just slides.

Works with sensors. Tiny sensors on each wheel tell a computer how fast they're spinning, and the computer instantly releases brake pressure if it detects a wheel about to lock up.

Used everywhere. Anti-lock brakes aren't just in cars, trucks, and motorcycles, they're also used on aircraft to keep planes from skidding off the runway during landing.

Super helpful in wet weather. Slippery roads are when anti-lock brakes shine most, because they help you stop safely and keep steering control even when pavement is wet or icy.