Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a vital component of modern vehicles, and it’s designed to provide drivers with better control and stopping power in emergency braking situations. ABS is now a standard feature on most drivable vehicles, and there are plenty of vehicles on our online car auctions that feature fully operational ABS systems.
Here at RAW2K, we’re the UK's premier online car auction website for the trade and public, and we have thousands of used, salvage and seized vehicles for sale in our daily and weekly online auctions. Whether you’re looking for a cheap vehicle to get you back on the road, or a write-off that you can scrap for parts, we’ve definitely got a vehicle for you. So, here’s a brief bit of insight into how ABS works.
What does an ABS do?
ABS works by preventing the wheels in your vehicle from locking up during hard braking, which can cause you to skid and lose control. This is achieved by rapidly pulsing the brakes, allowing the wheels to continue rotating, even when the driver is applying maximum braking force. This helps to maintain stability, traction, and directional control, even on slippery or uneven road surfaces.
So, it’s really important to ensure that the ABS system is in good working condition when purchasing a used car if you plan on driving it. As a quick way of ensuring that the ABS is working properly - check for any warning lights on the dashboard when you start the car, or have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.
What is an ABS made from?
The average ABS system is made up of several key components - wheel speed sensors, a hydraulic modulator, and an electronic control unit. The wheel speed sensors can be found at each wheel – their job is to continuously monitor the rotational speed of each wheel. If your ABS system detects that a wheel is about to lock up, it sends a signal to the hydraulic modulator, which rapidly pulses the brakes on that wheel.
The electronic control unit is the "brain" of the ABS system, and it’s responsible for monitoring the wheel speed sensors and sending signals to the hydraulic modulator. The ABS system also integrates with your vehicle's traction control system, which can apply additional braking force to the wheels to help maintain stability during braking.
If you’re looking for a second-hand car to drive amongst our online auctions, ABS is an important feature that all drivable cars are required to have , as it can greatly improve the safety and handling of a vehicle, especially in emergency situations. ABS-equipped vehicles are less likely to skid and lose control, providing you with more time and space to react to potential road hazards.
ABS is a crucial safety feature that should be considered when purchasing a used car, and is now a standard feature on most vehicles. ABS helps to maintain stability, traction, and directional control, even on slippery or uneven road surfaces by preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking. However, if you’re just in the market for a scrap vehicle which you can salvage for parts, ABS is not something you’ll need to worry about.
Here at RAW2K, we can help you find a car, regardless of the condition you need it in. What’s more, we’ve worked hard to make it really simple for you to sell your salvage car if you need some extra cash - once you’ve confirmed the age of your vehicle, you can set a starting price, and you’re ready to go. Our online car auctions list thousands of used, salvaged and seized vehicles every week. So, whether you’re just a hobbyist, or a full time professional mechanic, why not take a look around, and see what you can find?