Anti-Lock Control Relay Replacement
The In’s and Out’s of the Anti-Lock Brake System On Your Car
Cars these days are jam-packed with powerful technology that keeps the drivers and passengers safer while they drive. One of those technologies is the anti-lock brake system, also known as ABS. The ABS in your car is a vital component to the safety of your overall driving experience.
If you clicked on this article in order to learn more about the wonders of the ABS on your new or preowned car, then keep on reading. You won’t be disappointed.
The Anti-Lock Brake System Technology
Most modern cars have anti-lock brake system technology. What the ABS technology does is prevent your wheel from locking up, and your car skidding, during heavy breaking incidents.
The bad thing about locking up your tires is that at the moment, you lose steering power. Think of snowy or rainy roads or a sudden stop in traffic. If the wheels lock up, that means you won’t be able to steer to avoid other cars or obstacles.
However, with ABS you can maintain that ability to steer and have a better chance of avoiding a collision and directing your car to safety.
How It Works
The Anti-Lock Control Relay Replacement prevents your car from skidding out during a heavy breaking incident by preventing the wheels from locking up. It does this by rapidly applying and releasing pressure on your brakes.
When this occurs, it is common for you to feel the brake on your car push back against your foot or even pulse or vibrate.
When you feel this happening, simply continue to push and hold your foot on the brake. As you do so, steer to safety to avoid a collision with another car or roadside obstacles.
The Components of the ABS
Sensors
ABS functions by utilizing Hall effect sensors located on the wheels or axles of your vehicle. Most modern ABS technologies are what’s called four-channel systems. Meaning that there for four sensors, one for every wheel.
With four sensors in a four-channel system, each wheel can be monitored independently by the
ABS controller.
The ABS Controller
The controller on your ABS is a microprocessor. This tiny computer is responsible for assessing and releasing the braking power to the wheel that is about to lock up and skid out of control. It does so by communicating with the ABS sensors, and the hydraulic brake system.
Anti-Lock Control Relay
This component in the anti-lock brake system supplies power to the ABS controller. Here is how it works:
- Power flows through the first circuit in the relay and an electromagnet is activated
- The magnetic field attracts a contact and activates the second circuit
- When the power is switched off, a spring pulls the contact to the original position
- Then the second circuit is switched off
- When the circuit is completed, power is sent to the controller until the system no longer requires braking power
Unfortunately, like the other electrical components in your car, the ABS control relay is prone to wearing out.
Signs You Need Anti-Lock Control Relay Replacement
Your anti-lock brake system is a crucial component to your safe driving. It may even save your life one day. That is why you should always take good care of the ABS in your vehicle.
When there are signs that your ABS is not functioning properly, that should be an immediate reason to get service.
- Illuminated check engine light
- Illuminated ABS warning light
- Sudden wheel lock from ABS system failing
If you experience any of these signs, bring your car in for service as soon as possible. And if you’re not sure, you can always contact us, and we can help you out.