The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during braking. Even under emergency braking conditions, the car remains in control, which means the driver can avoid an obstacle without having to release the brakes first.

The system incorporates wheel sensors to monitor the speed of all wheels on the vehicle. Should a wheel threaten to lock, a solenoid valve reduces brake force until the wheels runs freely and brake force up to the lock-limit can be reapplied. The vehicle remains stable and in control.

Volkswagen’s ABS system is further enhanced with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). EBD ensures maximum braking performance and under normal conditions it prevents the rear-end from sliding out due to over-braking. It also eliminates ‘brake fading’,which often results from overheating.

The Hydraulic Braking Assistant (HBA) comes into play in emergency stops or panicky braking manoeuvres when drivers brake rapidly, but ineffectively. The HBA sensors recognise the attempt at full braking and transmit a signal calling for full brake pressure from the new, two-stage hydraulic booster. The result is a slow, strong application of the full brake force from a short pedal travel movement and a significantly reduced braking distance.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 17th, 2007 at 6:37 pm and is filed under Braking Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.