Before the anti-lock braking system, often referred to as ABS, drivers had to manually pump their brakes as fast as possible when they needed to stop quickly to prevent the brakes from overheating and seizing up. The anti-lock braking system wasn’t brought to consumer vehicles until the 1970’s, and wasn’t standard on new vehicles until the 1980’s and even 1990’s on some models.

The anti-lock braking system on you vehicle is designed to help you have as much control as possible when your are applying the brake and needing to quickly stop or slow down while at a high speed or in rough road conditions. Without a properly functioning ABS and you are trying to stop while driving in wet conditions, snow, or other rough surfaces, you will have problems handing and controlling your vehicle. The anti-lock brake system uses a hydraulic braking system, speed sensors, and a computer system to reduce the total distance it will require your vehicle to come to a complete stop. You will need to take time and specific precautions for your vehicle’s ABS to work properly.

Steps For Anti-lock Braking System Maintenance

1. Keep your vehicle’s brakes clean– It is important to keep your vehicle’s brake system clean to ensure the brake fluid runs through and against the brakes properly. If the surface of your brakes is clean and maintained properly, it will allow the anti-lock brakes to operate successfully when they are needed. It is not difficult to maintain and clean your brakes; when you can, spray them out with the hose or at a do-it-yourself car wash to rinse of the excess dirt and brake dust. Also, in between regular Dallas brake service from your brake repair specialists at Stop on a Dime, be sure your brake fluid is not low, or have your brake fluid replaced regularly.
2. Avoid use of your anti-lock brakes– The best thing you can do to maintain longevity of your ABS is to avoid using it if possible. Drive with care; stay further back from vehicles in front of you so you have more time to stop, and stay off the road during hazardous weather conditions if possible. The less often you put yourself in situations that require you to brake quickly, the less often your anti-lock braking system will be activated, which will increase the life of the system and reduce brake repair costs on your vehicle’s ABS.
3. Have the speed sensors calibrated– The anti-lock brake system’s speed sensors are used to predict how quickly your vehicle is moving; over time, the sensors can become misaligned. Depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, calibration of the ABS will most likely require an experienced Dallas brake service specialists to access the computer system and drive the vehicle at various speeds to reset and calibrate the speed sensors. It is best to have the ABS speed sensors calibrated about  once a year, or at least every time you have your brake service performed.

If you have noticed your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system not responding as quickly as it used to, or it doesn’t seem to function as well as it has in the past, it is likely that you need to have brake service done on your vehicle and have the technician inspect your ABS. If it is time for your regular brake service or you are noticing some issues with your anti-lock brakes, contact Stop on a Dime for mobile brake service; we can take care of your ABS and brake repairs at your location in the Dallas area; we provide ASE certified brake service in Farmers Branch, Plano, Garland, Sachse, The Colony, and anywhere in the Dallas area. Contact us today by completing our contact form, or call us directly at 972.965.6827.

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