whats abs on a car

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, which stops your wheels turning into four very expensive skis when you stamp the middle pedal. Using wheel-speed sensors and a hydraulic modulator, it rapidly pulses brake pressure so the tyres keep gripping and you can steer while stopping. On dry tarmac it usually shortens stopping distance; on loose gravel or sand it may take a tad longer, but you retain control and avoid the pirouette. If the ABS warning light stays on, the system’s offline and you’re back to old-school threshold braking—get it checked promptly.