Antilock Brake Issues
- Antilock automobile brakes can cause problems when they malfunction.James Woodson/Photodisc/Getty Images
Antilock brake issues on modern vehicles are not very common, according to Allpar Repairs. While this is good news, no mechanical system is impervious to problems. Antilock braking systems can be limited in their protective capacities and they also can malfunction. Additionally, antilock braking sensors can be an issue, indicating a problem to a driver which may or may not exist. - Antilock braking systems are not as effective on all types of surfaces, according to AA1Car. While antilock brakes help a car to stop at safer distances when driving on wet surfaces, cars driving on dry surfaces may be resistant to antilock brake protection. Specifically, antilock brakes do not always minimize the distance it takes to bring a car to a halt on dry pavement. Because tires naturally receive more friction on dry surfaces, standard brakes may work as well as antilock protection.
- Pumping the brakes can cause issues with antilock braking systems, according to AA1Car. Brake pumping reduces the effectiveness of antilock brakes. When a driver pumps the brakes, he essentially is performing one of the tasks antilocks are designed to do. By allowing an activated antilock braking system to pump brakes automatically, cars will almost always come to rest at safer distances than a driver doing so manually.
- Antilock brake sensors have a tendency to malfunction, according to Allpar Repairs. Sensors may improperly illuminate on a dashboard, giving drivers a false impression that antilock brakes are activated. Oftentimes, dirt or corrosion cause sensor issues, triggering it to turn on and stay on, or go on and off. Keeping car engines properly maintained and brake fluid full is a wise way to ward off sensor hazards.
