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Anti-Lock Brake Systems: ABS

Anti-Lock braking systems

Anti-Lock Brake Systems
Anti-Lock Brake Systems

Anti-Lock Brake Systems

So, this is one of the things that I am most proud of. Of course, I have been a garage owner! Is it when a customer contacts my garage for a brake problem to be sorted out? Subsequently, it appears not to be the price that the person is worried about. Because they know how important it is to have good brakes on their car.

Before we remove the wheels, we examine the brakes. So, generally, we have a blank canvas to work from. We know that most cars get to the stage of having practically no brakes! Then the braking system will be in pretty bad shape. Believe me, they usually are.

Back in the old days! Then the car’s brakes were a much simpler affair to diagnose and repair. Of course, with only the upper end of the market cars. Having any type of electrical modification in order to aid better braking. As in almost all the car developments. So, brakes were originally tested and tried on motorsport vehicles. A long time before being tried and tested on average road cars. Including the beginning of the ABS braking systems! Importantly, those are in common use today.

At first, Anti-lock braking systems, only came out on prestige cars such as BMW and Mercedes

But many drivers had not heard of them before; in fact, we still get customers today who do not know what it means when their ABS warning light comes on and have to be investigated. Twenty years ago, many vehicle owners were given the option of having ABS brakes or not, a similar sort of thing to fitting alloy wheels or steel wheels; they were an optional extra.

Anti-Lock braking systems work differently to a standard braking system

ABS brakes do act differently from a normal braking system. The main two advantages are that when you are braking on a wet, slippery road surface, or, say, on ice, your car will stop quicker; this also applies to normal roads, of course. Also, the car will handle much better when the driver has to brake and steer at the same time. Once again, in bad weather conditions, the car will handle much better than when using a conventional braking system.

Anti-Lock Brake Systems
Anti-Lock Brake Systems

In any normal driving situation, Anti-Lock Brake Systems

such as stopping at traffic lights or at a road junction, the Anti-Lock Braking Systems do not activate, but if you need to brake sharply and suddenly, the Anti-Lock Braking Systems will be activated and assist you in braking more safely.

The Anti-Lock Brake Systems send out pulses of pressure instead of the single pressure that is exerted when braking a normal car. You can actually feel the pulses coming through the brake pedal when you have to exert pressure on the brake pedal in an emergency stop. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that if you do encounter a challenging situation, such as snow or a non-tarmac road, you will still need to slow down because your ABS system won’t be able to assist you.

The main benefit of Anti-Lock Braking Systems is that the driver has full control when braking and steering at the same time, which can help the driver steer away from danger; they prevent the wheel from locking in certain conditions.

Practice your ABS brake system—Anti-Lock Brake Systems

In my experience, it has always been a good idea to take your car and practise with the brakes if you are driving a car fitted with ABS brakes for the first time and get used to the different feel of the brakes when going straight and when steering.

The in-cab ABS warning light may come on if there is a fault with the ABS system or the normal braking system. If the warning light comes on, then you should have the brakes looked at as soon as possible. In our experience it is usually something simple, such as a faulty electrical connection or even that the car needs a set of new pads. You can also find problems with Anti-Lock Brake Systems and other Anti Lock Brake Parts. Once the problem has been found and rectified, the ABS warning light can be reset with a computer.

Also sell Firestone Tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk. By using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. We offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work. Also an official MOT testing station that carries out checks for high standards of equipment and workmanship.

ABS FAQs:

Q: What are the most common symptoms of ABS problems?
A: Warning lights, grinding noises, pulsing brakes, or increased stopping distances.

Q: Is it safe to drive with faulty ABS?
A: It’s possible, but not recommended, because the wheels can lock under heavy braking.

Q: How long does ABS diagnostics take?
A: At Pellon Tyres we can test your ABS system in around 30 minutes.

Need tyres or brake repairs in Halifax? Call Pellon Tyres on 01422 351314 or visit us on Pellon Lane.

If you’re heading over to the East Yorkshire coast this year, take a look at our Lucky Paws Holiday Home in beautiful Thornwick Bay.

How Brake Pads Work

How Brake Pads Work

How Brake Pads Work
How Brake Pads Work

How Brake Pads Work

Here at Pellon Autocentre, we use top-quality brake parts. because it gives us peace of mind that we are fitting a top-class product. knowing that our customers won’t have problems with their new brake pads.

Your brake pads are one of the most important parts of your car’s braking system. because they are the component that makes contact with the discs. applying pressure and friction to your car’s brake discs. Of course, this is the pressure and friction that are applied to the brake discs.

slowing and stopping your vehicle. How Brake Pads Work

Once your brakes are applied, the pressure from the master cylinder now prevents the wheels from turning and your vehicle from moving. The role of brake pads in how cars work is really simple, but the construction of the brake pads is not.

Did you know that brake pads were once made out of asbestos?

So, asbestos was used to explain how brake pads work. Particularly when I was a young apprentice mechanic. but because of the cancer-causing materials in the pads. Urgently, then, new compounds had to be developed. Nowadays, brake pads are made from a mixture of different compounds. including metallic shavings and non-metallic organic materials. Depending on the manufacturer’s own compound mixes.

The brake pads are compressed onto your brake discs when you press the brake pedal.

The discs are fitted directly to the wheel hubs and the axle; on applying the brake pads, friction is forced upon the disc, causing the wheels to slow and then stop depending on the pressure applied to the pedal. The discs work in unison with the brake pads in order to stop your vehicle.

When will I need new brake pads or discs? How Brake Pads Work

There are many different warning signs that your vehicle will give you before your brakes reach the point of potential failure or extensive repair. The first thing to say is that you should always have your car regularly serviced, including the braking system. This will stop problems before they occur. Car brakes work; brake pads are what they are; replace your brake pads.

How Brake Pads Work
How Brake Pads Work
Here are some other things that you should look out for:.

Watch out for your brake warning light coming on when you are driving?

Check or have your garage check your brake fluid level?
Do you hear a grinding sound or a squealing sound when you apply the brake pedal?
Any feeling of a vibration or some sponginess in the brake pedal when it is pressed?
Does your vehicle steer or pull to one side when you apply your brakes?

All these symptoms are the most common signs of potential brake system hazards, and they should be looked at immediately. Of course, they have the potential to cause a lethal accident. Brakes are there to stop your car, and they should not be treated lightly. In a word, if you have them inspected at regular intervals, you will reduce the chances of future safety problems.

2024 Update

Have you ever heard a banging noise or bumping sensation when applying the brakes?

You shouldn’t overlook this kind of noise, particularly when it pertains to something as important as your brakes. Here’s a brief explanation of the possible causes of that bothersome bumping sound coming from those brake pads.

First of all, the brake pads themselves may be unevenly worn. Brake pads deteriorate with time, but if they do so unevenly, the result may be an uneven surface that sounds like bumps as the pads press against the brake disc.

The brake discs, which are the discs that your brake pads clamp onto, could also be the cause. The discs won’t offer the pads a flat surface to grip if it is deformed or has hot patches from heavy braking, which causes that bumping feeling.

Sometimes the problem is as easy as misinstalled or loose brake pads. When you apply the brakes, they may move and make noise if they are not properly positioned in their brackets.

Last but not least, there can be some debris lodged between the discs and the brake pad. This may result in uneven braking as well as noise, which is never a desirable combination.

Therefore, to ensure that everything is in working order, if you hear a bumping sound when you brake, it’s worth taking a look—or, better yet, having a professional take a look. It’s always better to be cautious than sorry when it comes to brakes, after all!


I hope this clarifies for your readers the possible problems that could be causing those annoying bumping sounds!

Car Brake Warning Lights

Car Brake Warning Lights

Car Brake Warning Lights
Car Brake Warning Lights

Car Brake Warning Lights

Of course, almost all modern cars today have a massive bank of warning lights. Including your Car Brake Warning Lights. Naturally, on the dash, when you switch your ignition on to start your car,. So, as the engine begins to pick up after a few seconds, the dashboard  lights should have cleared. Modern technology and on-board computers have enabled car manufacturers. Hence, to connect almost every part of the modern car to some kind of warning lights.

This is for increased fuel efficiency and to enhance the car’s safety.

Consequently, the car dash looks more like an airplane’s cockpit these days. Thankfully, we have clever mechanics with computer software. At the same time, that can help diagnose what these problems are, should they arise. We at Pellon Auto-Centre use a car diagnostic computer made by SUN Systems . So I found that it is a great machine for sorting out the light problems and resetting the  lights. Of course, while  telling us what the underlying problem may be,.

Car Brake Warning Lights
Car Brake Warning Lights

 Brake warning lights

Car Brake Warning Light symbols look the same for most car models. But yours could be slightly different. Its purpose is to tell you that something is wrong with the braking system somewhere on the car. With this in mind, if this light comes on, check your owner’s manual to find out its meaning. So, as I say, some cars have a different meaning. It could be used for many purposes.

For example, the same light may be used to show that the hand-brake is left on. If that’s the case and you’re still driving, you will notice the smell of burning brake pads. The light can also indicate that the fluid in your brake master cylinder is getting low. Each manufacturer has a different use and standard for this light. In all cases, if the light remains on, you should take the car to your local auto Centre and have the brakes checked out. For further information, click the link below.


ABS Car Brake Warning Lights

Not all cars have ABS braking systems but they are becoming more common as new cars start to come out. If your car has an ABS braking system, you will have a second type of warning light (as shown in the picture). If you see this light on, you should seek immediate help from your garage or Auto-Centre. A computer is in charge of this light, which indicates that the computer has identified a problem with the braking system.

It could just be a simple thing: Car Brake Warning Lights

such as dirty contacts on your braking components and sensors, or it could be that your ABS unit needs replacing. Either way, if this light comes on, please take notice and have your car checked out as soon as possible. They may stay on, flash, or blink, but whatever they seek attention to, you may end up with no brakes at all.

Importantly, as well as your brake warning lights, don’t drive the car if the ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS happen to come on!