Everyone is going gaga over installation of ABS (Antilock braking system) in cars in India now. But what is antilock braking and how does it work, is a little know fact to us Indians.
Cars have generally been a gadget for display of luxury in society. However, car manufacturers in India have not given much priority to car passenger safety. The area of safety has been narrowly confined to from and rear bumpers, rear view mirror, voluntary seatbelts, and the usual brakes.
The Anti lock brake system has been in vogue in much richer economies from late 1980s. It has only recently been introduced to Indian car scene. It is a reflection on the booming Indian economy. The anti-lock brake system is being installed even in small cars, though most offer it as an additional feature. Anti-lock brakes- simply put do not lock brakes on wheels.
Regular brakes
In the regular brakes seen in cars, the brakes lock wheels. During sudden events, the car brakes lock hard on wheels that could lead to skidding and toppling. The momentum of the car speed in not contained by the regular brakes and the car, in most cases, hits the object its wants to avoid. The car driver loses control of the vehicle and passengers get injured in the process.
Even when speeding at 40 kmph these brakes do not function as effectively as wanted.
ABS
In the Antilock Brake System, once the brake pedals are pressed, the locks start a pumping process. The brake calipers hold the wheels and release it alternatively. The system of clasping and releasing the calipers only manages to slow down the wheels. It action is so fast that it actually reduces the braking distance by several yards from the object to be hit. The car comes to a halt without experiencing any of the violent skidding and toppling effects.
In the ABS brakes, the car driver does not loose control over the vehicle and can help steer clear from the object to be hit. This ensures that the accident is averted in nick of time. The potentially object in danger is avoided effectively, even while the passengers in the car are safe from any bodily injury.
In fact, the car can steer clear of the event without coming to a complete halt. The car passenger can continue their journey without any hiccups.
Market for ABS
ABS is priced high in India, compared to its global car market, primarily because of low demand. There are few car manufacturers providing this features and awareness about the system is low. In many small cars it cost as much as 8 per cent of the total car price. Hence Indians do away with the system.
ABS is available in all D segment cars that are cars like Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Skoda Octavia and others above it. Most
SUVs come fitted with it as standard features, as they are used for off road activities and highway traveling. The
small cars like Maruti Swift and others offer it as an add-on. The feature can be installed by shelling out extra Rs 20,000-Rs 25000 above the selling price of the car.
Antilock brake system is most effective for highway traveling. The urban car commuters rarely go beyond the 40-50 kmph speed limit (in rare condition it is 70-80 kmph).
However, safety advocates are pressing for antilock braking to be made compulsory on all cars sold in India. It is yet to be passed by the government.
Once the ABS comes into effect, we can rest assured the highway casualties will come down drastically. But will the Indian consumers be willing to shell the extra cost? It remains to be seen.
