Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to apply sudden brakes on your bike and felt the wheels skid and lose control? If yes, then you know how scary and dangerous it can be. Skidding can cause you to fall off the bike, collide with other vehicles or objects, or injure yourself and others. You need a safety feature to help you brake effectively without locking the wheels to avoid such mishaps. That feature is called Anti-Lock Braking System or ABS in short.
What are anti-lock brakes?
- ABS stops the wheels from getting stuck when you brake hard or suddenly. You can maintain steering control and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces as a rider.
- It operates by constantly monitoring the wheel's speed using sensors. If it detects that a wheel is about to lock up, it reduces the brake pressure by opening a valve. This allows the wheel to rotate freely and regain traction. Then, it closes the valve and reapplies the brake pressure.
- Its components include speed sensors, valves, pumps, and controllers. The speed sensors measure the rotation of the wheels and send signals to the controller. The controller is an electronic unit that compares the wheel speeds and decides when to activate or deactivate the valves. The valves are located in the brake lines and control the flow of brake fluid to the callipers.
- There are two types of ABS: single-channel and dual-channel. Single-channel ABS is usually found on low-priced bikes and only works on the front wheel. Dual-channel ABS works on both the front and rear wheels independently.
Conclusion
ABS can help you avoid skidding, reduce stopping distance, and improve braking performance. It can also give you more confidence and comfort while riding your bike. However, ABS is not a substitute for safe riding habits. You should always follow the traffic rules, keep a proper distance from other vehicles, and wear protective gear while riding your bike. Additionally, ensuring your bike is covered with a reliable two wheeler insurance policy can provide financial protection against unforeseen accidents or damages.
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