Other than the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in automotive speak ABS stands for antilock braking system, which is a safety feature that prevents wheel lockup and skidding during emergency braking. Antilock braking systems pump the brakes up to 20 times per second, allowing drivers to keep control of the vehicle during an emergency braking maneuver.
On older cars — or any car without antilock brakes — you should pump the brakes in a crude attempt to prevent skidding. Antilock brakes do a quicker and more precise job of pumping the brakes than a person ever could. If you’re driving a car with antilock brakes and have to make an emergency stop, it’s recommended to stomp on the brake pedal, hold firm pressure and steer out of the way if needed.
Antilock brakes have a unique feel when the system is activated; the pedal usually pulsates very quickly, so don’t be alarmed if this happens during emergency braking; just keep your foot planted.
Antilock brakes are available on just about every new car; if they’re not standard equipment, they’re generally not an expensive option. See the Cars.com Glossary, linked below, for more details on antilock brakes.
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I always understood ABS to mean "Ability to Brake and Steer" as opposed to anti-lock braking system. As it's usually listed/described as an ABS System. Otherwise it would translate as Anti-lock Braking System System.....
ABS means anti/lock breaking system. In the older cars and in some newer cars they use disc breaks. When you slam the on the breaks with disc breaks they lock up and your rearend slides with a final meaning of losing control. The ABS breaks allow you to slam your breaks on without them locking up giving you better control of your vehicle. Altough ABS is not foolproof it is a great safty feature and if you are buying you or your kids a good car make sure they have ABS the best car I know is the Subara not only do they have abs they also have all wheel drive giving you even greater traction
I know what the ABS means, but the ABS light in my van will not go off. How do I get it to shut off? Is there a bigger problem I am not aware of?
Hey travis you should visit you mechanic, because it could be an axle or something more dangerous.
the ABS light in your van stays on because its most likely an ABS Sensor gone in one of the wheels. NOT an Axle... dumbass... lol hahahahaha
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Posted by: chester freeman, Sep 9, 2007 10:34:49 AM