Disadvantages of disabling anti-lock braking system

ABS stands for anti-lock braking system which mean that the system ensures that the wheels do not lock during braking.

To disable anti-lock braking system (ABS) implies disconnecting, bypassing or removing it completely.

The disadvantages of ABS removal are the negative effects, dangers or downsides of removing it.

Antilock braking system reduces the possibility of the brake locking up during braking. It provides good steering control during braking.

It also provides good braking on any kind of surface and it prevents vehicle skidding during braking.

One advantage of ABS is reduction in braking distance on slippery and wer surfaces. This also improves safety.

But some drivers feel that antilock braking system increases braking distance on normal roads. Some people also don't like the spongy brake pedal feel of some ABS systems. This has even caused accident for some inexperienced drivers because instead of maintaining foot on the brake pedal, they quickly let go with the assumption that the brake is not working.

ABS is a safety feature, we don't recommend its removal, bypass or delete. That is why we are writing this article.

 

Effects of ABS deactivation, bypass or removal

1. Reduced safety due to skidding

ABS prevents a vehicle from skidding during braking especially on wet or slippery roads. The chance of a skid is high when the wheel locks on high speed braking.

2. Reduced steering control during braking

Antilock braking function helps a driver to maintain steering control in any braking condition. This is because the wheel is not totally locked. A vehicle with a locked wheel will be difficult to steer especially if there is skidding happening.

3. Accelerated tire wear

Without ABS, even normal braking will cause accelerated tire wear.

4. Tire deformation

If a tire that is locked hits a curb, bump or pothole, it deforms easily than that of a wheel that is not locked. Again, the area of tire that has contact with road surface can damage during sudden braking.

5. Increased braking distance

On some type of road surfaces like wet or slippery roads, the braking distance of a vehicle without ABS is more.

6. Wrong brake force distribution

Cars have varying brake force distributions between the front and rear wheels, depending on manufacturer's design. In some cars for example, it is 70% brake force to the front wheels and 30% brake force to the rear wheels. Sometimes when people delete ABS, the ABS pump is bypassed by connecting brake lines with a connector which links the pipes and this does not account for correct brake force distribution.

7. Error codes on the dash

ABS delete will cause permanent error lights on the dash and permanent error codes stored in the electronic control unit of the car.

8. Some other systems of a vehicle that rely on data from the ABS system won't function well. For example, speed signals are gotten from wheel speed sensors for transmission shift decisions. A deactivated ABS system won't be able to send signals that will enable other systems that rely on it to work properly.

Generally speaking, ABS deactivation reduces the safety of the occupants of a car and it should not be done. Get used to driving a car with ABS feature and fix ABS faults whenever there are any.