What is the primary purpose of an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?

The primary purpose of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) is to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. When a driver applies the brakes forcefully, there is a risk that the wheels may stop rotating, leading to a loss of traction and control. ABS works by automatically modulating the brake pressure during such situations, allowing the wheels to continue turning. This helps maintain steering control and stability, enabling the driver to maneuver the vehicle even while braking hard. The system enhances safety by reducing the chance of skidding and facilitating better control in emergency braking scenarios.

While faster acceleration and maintaining high speeds are important for vehicle performance, they are not the objectives of an ABS. Similarly, although ABS can support steering control by keeping the wheels from locking up, its primary function is specifically focused on brake modulation to improve overall stopping performance and safety.