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The Complete Guide to Two Wheeler Anti-Lock Braking Systems

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As per statistics, accidents involving two wheelers are the highest in the country. This is because two wheelers are the most vulnerable vehicles. In a two wheeler, when you apply brakes at high speed, it may result in instability. This happens because wheels suddenly stop rolling while two wheeler is still in motion. As a result, the wheel starts sliding instead of rolling and the control is lost. It becomes difficult to keep the two-wheeler straight and, due to reduced friction, it skids. Such a situation is dangerous and may lead to an accident.

Indian government addressed this issue and made ABS mandatory for all two wheelers, with more than 125 cc engine capacity. ABS is Anti-lock Braking System, which makes it safer to ride a two wheeler on the road. Just like two wheeler insurance, ABS is essential for your safety on roads.

What Exactly Is an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)?

An Anti-Lock Braking System is an anti-skid safety device installed in your two wheeler that prevents wheel locking and improves stability by maintaining traction between the wheels and the road. In simple words, controlling motion at high speeds makes a two wheeler unstable because when brakes are applied suddenly, wheels get locked immediately, causing uncontrolled skidding. An ABS comes to the rescue in such a situation by controlling brake pressure. Let us understand how it works.

How Does Anti-Lock Braking System Work?

ABS is an automated system that works on the principle of threshold braking and pressure modulation. An activated ABS module automatically pumps the brake and applies optimum braking pressure to the wheels to prevent them from locking. It has four major components:

1. Speed Sensors -

These are attached to the wheels and calculate the speed of the wheels and send signals to the controller. It is used to regulate the braking power applied to the wheels. In case a wheel is about to lock up, the braking power applied to the wheel is reduced and the wheel regains its grip.

2. Valves -

It controls the pressure transmission to the brake line. When it is open, the pressure is passed to the brake line and when activated; it blocks the brake line, to stop the transmission of pressure in the brake line. This happens when a brake is applied harder.

3. Pump -

When the valve releases pressure applied by the driver, the pump is used to restore the pressure to the brakes. It is modulated by the controller to provide the required pressure, which reduces the slipping of the wheels.

4. Controller -

It receives signals from the speed sensors. If a wheel is losing traction, the controller limits the brake force and activates the ABS modulator, which modulates the pressure to the brake by switching the valve on and off, thus preventing the wheel from locking.

As your two wheeler insurance provides financial cover against any accident, an ABS provides a cover against accidents with better control of your two-wheeler.

What are the Functions of an Anti-Lock Braking System?

● ABS helps in efficient steering during an emergency braking situation by restoring traction to wheels.

● ABS helps in better control of the two-wheeler.

● It monitors the speed of the vehicle.

● It automatically pumps the brake.

● It reduces brake pressure in case of rapid deceleration and thus prevents slipping

Advantages of an Anti-Lock Braking System

● It gives greater driving stability by preventing wheel locking and skidding.

● It gives better directional stability during emergency braking, thus avoiding a collision.

● It promotes better road safety by reducing the number of accidents.

● ABS installation lowers the two wheeler insurance costs.

● In dry conditions, ABS prevents lifting of the rear wheel during emergency braking.

● In slippery conditions, ABS offers more traction and if you push the braking limit, mild pulsations can be felt.

Disadvantages of an Anti-Lock Braking System

● Adds to the cost of your two-wheeler.

● It increases the stopping distance on poor roads

● Inconsistent stopping distance under different conditions.

● High maintenance cost.

● Increased possibility of system damage which may cause shuddering of the vehicle or loud noises.

Conclusion

ABS is an important safety system for two wheelers that significantly reduces the number of road accidents. However, you still need to drive safely and avoid overspeeding. No matter how many advanced safety features your vehicle has, always get two wheeler insurance to cover you against any loss due to an accident or theft.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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