When it comes to vehicle safety, certain features stand out as crucial safeguards for drivers and passengers alike. These include airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and stability control systems. Understanding how these three components work can improve your awareness of vehicle safety.
1. Airbags deploy rapidly upon impact, providing a cushioning effect and reducing the risk of severe injuries. Modern vehicles have multiple airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin, including front, side and curtain airbags. Your car’s airbags must not be tampered with to ensure they’re effective in an emergency.
2. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) help prevent your car’s wheels from locking up during hard braking. This helps you maintain steering control and reduce your stopping distance on slippery surfaces. By automatically modulating brake pressure, ABS enhances overall vehicle stability and reduce the risk of skidding or losing control in emergency braking situations.
3. Stability control systems, also known as electronic stability con-trol (ESC) or vehicle stability control (VSC) systems, continuously monitor your vehicle and intervene to prevent loss of traction or skidding. By selectively applying brakes and adjusting engine power, these systems help you maintain control during sudden manoeuvres or on adverse road conditions, such as ice and gravel.
Visit your local repair shop to ensure your car’s safety features are in good condition and ready to protect you.
