What Does ABS 4 Wheel Meaning In A Car?
Most modern vehicles are equipped with either ABS or ABS 4 Wheel features, but do you know ABS stands for what, or what is ABS 4 Wheel meaning?
It stands for “Anti-Lock Braking System” which helps the driver in keeping the car under control when they lose steering control during an emergency or hard brake. One of the ABS types is the ABS 4 Wheel, which means you have ABS on all wheels. That brings up another question: how does the ABS system work or do they both function similarly?
So, keep reading to learn everything there is to know about ABS 4 wheel including meaning, function, benefits, and more.
What Does The ABS 4 Wheel Meaning?
ABS is an advanced safety feature for modern auto vehicles and the ABS 4-wheel system is one of the most popular types of ABS available.
It is also known as 4W-ABS or 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, which means that this anti-lock braking system is designed to apply the proper amount of braking power to all four wheels of any car.
4W-ABS is a braking system that uses sensors on each vehicle’s wheel to monitor their speed and detect any wheel lockup to prevent it.
As a result, when the driver abruptly loses control of the steering system or applies the hard brake, the anti-lock brake system stops the car wheels from locking up, preventing an accident.
What Purpose Does the ABS 4 Wheel Serves?
The core purpose of using an ABS 4-wheel system on a car is to increase braking performance and prevent wheels from locking up during harsh braking.
Besides that, this anti-lock braking technology –
- allows drivers to steer around obstacles more easily since it prevents tire lock-up.
- can also reduce stopping distances on slippery, snowy, or wet roads, making it easier to avoid accidents.
Read also >> What Does ABS Light On and Brake Light On Mean?
What Kinds of ABS Brakes Are There?
Here are the three different types of ABS available based on the number of speed sensors and valves:
- 1-channel, 1-sensor ABS: This is the most basic ABS kind available. It just has one sensor, which checks the front wheels’ speed. The system controls the front brakes via a single channel.
- 3-channel, 4-sensor ABS: This form of ABS has three channels and a sensor at each wheel. The fourth sensor measures the difference in speed between the front and rear axles. This technology is often found on pickup trucks and SUVs.
- 4-channel, 4-sensor (4 Wheel) ABS: It is the most advanced ABS version on the market with a sensor and a channel for each wheel. This system allows for independent control of each wheel to maximize the effectiveness of the braking system.
Quick History of 4-Wheel ABS:
ABS was invented in the 1920s by engineers looking for an automated override braking system. However, today’s form of ABS was invented in the 1970s.
In 1971, Chrysler came up with the first four-wheel electrically controlled ABS (4W-ABS) while working with the Bendix Corporation.
But the four-wheel multi-channel ABS was officially introduced in1978. That was the first major step towards standardized ABS systems in cars.
How Does the ABS 4 Wheel Work on Cars?
When the driver hits the emergency or hard brake, the ABS 4-wheel system engages and begins pumping the brakes as quickly as 15 times per second at speeds of more than 8 MPH.
Main Components:
Before going into more detail about how does the ABS system work, check out the Key components of this system_
| Wheel Speed Sensors: | Determines when a vehicle wheel is locking up. |
| Valves: | Adjust the brake pressure to keep the wheel from locking up. |
| Pump: | Keeps the brake lines under pressure. |
| Controller (ECU): | Manages the system and ensures that it is operational. |
Even while the 4-wheel ABS allows drivers to steer when braking in an emergency, keep in mind that the braking system does not steer.
Then how does it work?
The ABS 4 Wheel of a vehicle works in a three-step method:
- Step_1: Four sensors are used in the 4-wheel anti-locking system. These are attached to each four wheels.
- Step_2: So, when the sensors detect that one of the wheels is about to lock up, the 4W ABS uses a modulator unit to partially release the brake pad on that wheel.
- Step_3: This release allows the wheels to spin intermittently while braking. That intermittent rotation on the steering permits it to work effectively.
How to Use 4 Wheel Anti Lock Brakes on Vehicles?
It is an easy 3 step method:
- Apply firm pressure and press the brake pedal on your car.
- Keep holding the pedal like that and soon you will feel it pulsing or pushing back.
- Then, steer to safety without ABS while pumping the brake pedal and drive to safety.
Related: Can Abs Cause Brake Pedal To Go To The Floor? Causes, Symptoms And Solutions
Benefits And Limitations of Using ABS 4 Wheel:
Check all the potential advantages and disadvantages of using this Anti Lock Brake System:
| Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Efficient speed modulation of all four wheels | Increases stopping distance on bad roads and dry pavement. |
| Adds stability and keeps the car from spinning out. | Additional costing for the maintenance. |
| Provide better control over the vehicle. | May not always work correctly and distribute incorrect brake force. |
| Reduces torsional vibration and torque transfer. | May accelerate tire wear or cause tire deformation |
| Ensures surefooted braking on wet, sleety, or slippery surfaces. |
Difference Between 2 Wheel ABS and 4 Wheel ABS:
Both two-wheel ABS and abs 4 wheel meaning anti-lock braking systems that help to keep a vehicle’s wheels from locking up during hard braking. But often users get confused between a 4W ABS and 2W ABS.
So, clear out all confusion by finding out what differs between them:
Two wheel Anti-locking braking system is where the ABS sensors were inserted on only the two rear wheels of the vehicle. So, in vehicles with the ABS 2 wheel, the front sensor provides vehicle speed information based on which the ABS modulates.
On the contrary, the Four wheel Anti-locking system has sensors mounted on all four wheels of the vehicle and a wire will connect the car to a sensor, which will read pulses from a tone ring on the hub assembly.
FAQs
How can I activate ABS 4 Wheel on My Car?
Push your brake pedal while steering normally and hold your foot firmly on the brake pedal and do not take your foot off from there until the car comes to a complete stop. This action will automatically activate the ABS 4 Wheel.
Is it safe to drive my car without ABS?
Even though your car will run just fine with the standard brake system that it has, it is advised to use the car with Anti-lock brakes to prevent accidents.
How Can I Tell If My 4 Wheel ABS Is Failing?
The most obvious sign is when the ABS indicator on your car dashboard comes on or randomly blinks.
Here are some common signs of a failing 4-wheel ABS:
1. Noticing that the ABS on your car not responding or working properly,
2. If you see that the Traction Control Light of your car stays on,
3. Discomfort to navigate the pedal or unresponsive brake pedal, or
4. Visible decrease in your car’s braking performance.
How can I tell if my vehicle has 2 or 4-wheel ABS?
Check if your car has sensors on the front wheels and one on each side or just two sensors on the rear wheels. If you see sensors in each wheel, including front and rear wheels, you have a 4-wheel Anti lock Braking System.
But if you see sensors on only its rear wheels, you have a 2-wheel Anti lock Braking System.
2 Wheel ABS or 4 Wheel ABS: Which one is more effective?
Both types of ABS serve the same purpose, which is to keep your car’s wheels from locking up during harsh braking. But ABS 4 Wheel is thought to be superior to two-wheel ABS because it provides more control and stability when braking.
